Sheinbaum Government Challenges Google’s ‘Gulf of America’ Label on Maps

The timing and coordination behind the decision to change the name have left many people surprised.

Some mexican officials have begun to question whether this was a premeditated effort between political allies in the u.S. And certain tech entities to subtly redraw influence over shared waters. “it’s not just a label—it’s a message,” one unnamed source from mexico’s foreign ministry hinted.

The unexpectedness of the alteration, combined with Google’s refusal to reverse it despite diplomatic pressure, has led to speculation about hidden agendas and secret agreements. Is there an ulterior motive behind this rebranding that extends beyond what is initially evident?

As legal proceedings unfold and global awareness grows, many are now questioning whether the map is being used not only to guide, but also to manipulate. 

When former president donald trump made the announcement to rename the gulf of mexico as the ‘gulf of america,’ it sparked a wave of internet memes. Nevertheless, Mexico is now addressing the issue seriously. 

On friday, may 9, mexican president claudia sheinbaum revealed that her government has officially filed a lawsuit against google for changing the name of the gulf of mexico to the ‘gulf of america’ on google maps. 

According to a report from the BBC, Mexico had formally requested Google not to proceed with the renaming, but those appeals were allegedly disregarded.

After being re-elected in January, Trump, now in his second term, issued an executive order directing the U.S. Government to officially acknowledge the gulf as the “Gulf of Mexico.” 

President sheinbaum made an announcement during a press conference, stating that legal action had already been initiated, but she did not provide the specific date or location of the lawsuit. 

‘the lawsuit has already been filed,’ sheinbaum stated, but did not provide further details regarding the timing or location of the filing. ‘all we want is for the decree issued by the US government to be followed.’ 

Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, previously communicated with President Claudia Sheinbaum through written correspondence. According to the Mexican government’s released documents, Turner alleged that Google would not reverse the changes made to the labeling on Google Maps. 

Currently, users in the United States see the region as the ‘Gulf of America’ on Google Maps. In Mexico, the name of the body of water is still referred to as the ‘Gulf of Mexico,’ while international users may see it as ‘The Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).’.

Turner defended the decision, stating that Google is following its established mapping guidelines and applying them consistently and fairly in all regions. 

The situation intensified when the press connected to the White House lost its privileges after refusing to conform to the new name in its style guide. President Trump, however, has remained steadfast in his backing for the renaming, despite encountering legal obstacles from Mexican authorities. 

Google has not given any public response to sheinbaum’s announcement of the lawsuit. Unilad has reached out to the technology company for their reply. 

Shortly after Trump issued an executive order during his second term, advocating for the adoption of the new name, the alteration on Google Maps was introduced. Despite widespread disapproval, Trump has persisted in his position.

It’s important to keep in mind that the executive order is only valid within the United States and Mexico. Other nations are not required to adopt or recognize the new designation and may continue referring to the area as the ‘gulf of mexico.’. 

According to a u.S. State department report from the 1970s, the official maritime boundary between mexico and the u.S. Starts at the mouth of the rio grande and follows a defined course. 

On thursday, the u.S. House of representatives passed a bill aimed at cementing the name ‘gulf of america’ into law and directing federal agencies to update all maps accordingly. The bill advanced with near-unanimous republican support but faces a difficult path in the senate, where it’s unlikely to meet the 60-vote threshold to avoid a filibuster. 

In response to trump’s push for renaming, president sheinbaum previously fired back with a tongue-in-cheek suggestion: that the united states be renamed ‘américa mexicana’ or’mexican america.’ she referenced an 1814 founding document that used the term and jokingly added, ‘that sounds nice, no?’. 

Result:: 

The renaming of the gulf of mexico to the “gulf of america” has sparked international tension, legal action, and political controversy. While former president trump continues to endorse the change through executive orders and congressional support, mexico, led by president claudia sheinbaum, is actively challenging both the decision and google’s compliance with it.

Despite numerous diplomatic efforts, google has remained steadfast in its decision to implement the naming update, emphasizing the importance of consistency in its mapping policies.

As the legal battle unfolds, the issue has become a symbol of broader geopolitical disputes and questions about digital platforms’ role in shaping global narratives. Whether the name sticks or not, the debate underscores the deep sensitivities tied to national identity, sovereignty, and historical geography.