Full Breakdown
Trump’s Nationwide Renaming Campaign: From Gulf to “New America”
9/7/2026, 10:59:27 PM
Core Event – Executive Orders and Proposals to Rename U.S. Geographic Features
President Donald Trump issued executive actions to replace long-standing U.S. place names with alternatives emphasizing “American greatness.” A January 20 2025 order renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” An August 27 order changed the federal designation of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” and restored the name Mount McKinley. A September 2 Truth Social post suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz to “Trump Strait,” and a map showed “Mexico” crossed out of New Mexico to create “New America.”
Background & Context – Legal Authority and Prior Renamings
Under the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a president may direct federal agencies to adopt new names via executive order, though names set by congressional law may require legislation. Earlier actions during Trump’s second term illustrate this authority: the Gulf of America order, the restoration of Mount McKinley, and the renaming of nine Army installations (e.g., Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg).
Data & Statistics – Public Opinion and Map-Service Adoption
Public reaction has been largely unfavorable. A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 1,023 adults (Aug 28-30) found 63 % opposed the Lake Ontario renaming; an Economist/YouGov survey of 1,592 citizens (Aug 28-31) reported 68 % disapproval. Google Maps and Apple Maps display “Lake America” for U.S. users but retain “Lake Ontario” for Canadian users. MapQuest refused to change the name, yet its app downloads surged roughly 50-fold, making it the No. 1 navigation app in the Apple App Store as of Aug 30. Waze had not adopted the new designation.
Official Statements & Responses – Government and Corporate Reactions
President Trump later qualified his Strait of Hormuz suggestion, stating, “No, no … it was just thrown out there.” New York Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed the federal designation. MapQuest announced, “We’re not changing it,” while noting the download spike.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Divergent Poll Results and Incomplete Adoption
Two independent polls show slightly different opposition levels (63 % vs. 68 %). While Google and Apple Maps have implemented the federal name for U.S. users, other services such as Waze have not, leaving a fragmented user experience. The executive orders do not compel states, provinces, or foreign governments to adopt the new terminology, creating a gap between federal databases and on-the-ground usage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, no ... it was just thrown out there.” — Donald Trump, President
What’s Next – Potential Future Renamings and Legal Hurdles
Trump has hinted at additional changes, including possible renamings of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, New York Penn Station, and Washington Dulles International Airport. The Dulles proposal would require FAA approval and a separate agreement authorizing use of Trump’s name. Legal challenges similar to those faced by the Kennedy Center are likely if future proposals target sites named by Congress or recognized internationally.
