Trump Declares ‘Gulf of America Day’
On February 9, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation aboard Air Force One, officially designating the day as “Gulf of America Day.” This action follows his executive order signed on January 20, 2025, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The proclamation was signed during President Trump’s flight over the newly renamed body of water en route to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the first time a sitting president has attended the event.
In his executive order, President Trump emphasized that the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico “has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.”
The renaming has elicited a range of reactions. Some Gulf state residents have expressed pride in the new designation, while others question the practical implications of the change.
Internationally, the move has been met with criticism. Mexican officials have expressed disapproval, viewing the renaming as a unilateral action that disregards the shared nature of the Gulf.
Despite the controversy, the administration is proceeding with the implementation of the new name. The Department of the Interior announced that the name Gulf of America is effective immediately for federal use, and efforts are underway to update federal documents and maps to reflect the change.
As the nation observes the inaugural Gulf of America Day, public officials and citizens are encouraged to participate in programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor this newly designated landmark.
