U.S. Approves Bill to Rename the Gulf of Mexico

• House of Representatives approves bill to rename Gulf of Mexico
• Senate approval still needed
• Democrats oppose the change

The United States House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

The measure seeks to codify into law an executive order signed by President Donald Trump during his second term.

The bill was introduced by Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

It stipulates that all federal agencies must update their documents and maps with the new name. The proposal moves forward after a majority vote in the House of Representatives.

Gulf of Mexico: US Congress Approves Name Change

🗺️ The U.S. House of Representatives, led by Republicans, approved an initiative to make Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” into law. https://t.co/1sarkzk4RT pic.twitter.com/gqslei4mky
— El Universal (@El_Universal_Mx) May 8, 2025

However, the bill still needs Senate approval to become law.

The process is expected to be difficult, as during Thursday’s vote, all Democratic lawmakers and one Republican voted against it.

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Before the vote, Greene emphasized the importance of the bill, calling it one of the most relevant items on the current congressional agenda.

The Republican congresswoman also lashed out at Democrats, suggesting they oppose the name change because, in her view, they «favor» Mexican drug cartels.

The Bill and Its Approval in the House of Representatives

Democrats responded firmly. Congressman Jared Huffman of California criticized the initiative, saying Congress should focus on truly important projects.

According to Huffman, the proposal began as a “joke” that has gained undue traction.

The origin of the initiative lies in an executive order signed by Donald Trump.

Under the title «Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,» the order sought to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico and to restore the name Mount McKinley for the tallest mountain in the US.

Trump also designated February 9 as «Gulf of America Day,» aimed at promoting the new name.

The controversy does not stop there. Since the beginning of the year, the White House has been in a standoff with the Associated Press (AP).

The government blocked AP’s access to the Oval Office and the presidential aircraft Air Force One due to the outlet’s refusal to adopt the new name and its continued use of the traditional Gulf of Mexico.

The bill’s future now depends on the Senate and the stance Democrats choose to take in the coming days.

Source: EFE / Infobae