Trump's America-first map overhaul: New names spark debate
The President of the USA, Donald Trump, has decided that the Gulf of Mexico will be referred to as the American Gulf, at least on maps in the United States. The effects of this White House decision are already visible on Google Maps. Outside of America and Mexico both names can be seen.
Google Maps has made adjustments to the display of geographical names depending on the user's location. This is related to President Donald Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico. It’s part of his policy of "honouring American greatness."
As reported by CNN, residents of the United States see the American Gulf on maps, while users in Mexico see the commonly recognised name.
For the rest of the world both names are available. Google explained that it has "a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources."
Updates in navigation systems
Not only has the name of the gulf changed. Google also plans to restore the name of the highest peak in North America from Denali back to Mount McKinley, in accordance with Trump's directive.
The previous name change to Denali was a gesture from President Barack Obama towards the indigenous people of the region. Trump criticised this decision, deeming it an "affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice."
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that it is working on implementing these changes in its databases and maps. The Coast Guard has also begun using the new names in its communications. The changes regarding the peak in Alaska have not yet been implemented on Google Maps.
