Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico, criticising his suggestion to change it to the “Gulf of America.”
During a morning press conference, Sheinbaum referred to a 17th-century world map that labelled North America as “Mexican America” to counter Trump’s reasoning.
Sheinbaum questioned, “Why don’t we call it (the United States) Mexican America? It sounds nice, doesn’t it?” She pointed out that the Gulf of Mexico is an internationally recognised name according to the United Nations and used Trump’s own logic to challenge his proposal.
While addressing the issue of naming, Sheinbaum expressed confidence that Mexico would maintain “good relations” with the incoming U.S. president.
Trump, who is set to begin his second term on 20 January, argued that renaming the Gulf was appropriate, citing the need for Mexico to stop illegal migration into the U.S. He also claimed, “The Gulf of America has a beautiful ring.”
Additionally, Sheinbaum responded to Trump’s assertion that Mexico is controlled by drug cartels, stating, “In Mexico, the people rule.”
As Trump prepares to take office again, his administration has frequently criticised Mexico, threatening heavy tariffs unless the country halts illegal migration and drug trafficking. He has also revived plans from his first term to label Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organisations.
