NEW: Mexico’s Liberal President Snaps After Trump Announces Plan For ‘Gulf Of America’

In a move that only President-elect Donald Trump could pull off, the former president and 2024 election victor proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” during a fiery press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday. The announcement, dripping with Trumpian bravado, was accompanied by a declaration that the name change is “beautiful” and “appropriate” for a country reclaiming its greatness. “The Gulf of America, what a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate,” Trump said.

On Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, a staunch liberal, lashed out at Trump’s idea. In a press briefing, Sheinbaum unveiled an ancient map dating back to the 1600s, which depicted North America with the title “America Mexicana” sprawled across its surface. “The Gulf of Mexico is recognized by the United Nations, it is an organization of the United Nations, but why don’t we call it Mexican America,” Sheinbaum said.

“So, let’s call it Mexican America. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? And the Gulf of Mexico, well, since 1607, and it is also internationally recognized. I know you are going to ask me this, but I think that yesterday President Trump was misinformed with all due respect to President Trump … But no, in Mexico, the people govern.”

The Gulf of Mexico, an integral waterway spanning over 600,000 square miles, has been a vital hub for trade, energy production, and fishing for centuries. Named by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, its moniker reflects deep historical ties to Mexico’s colonial past. While Trump’s proposal remains unofficial, it reignites long-simmering tensions between Mexico and the United States, particularly as Trump has made no secret of his plans to reassert American dominance in global affairs.

WATCH:

For Trump, the Gulf renaming saga is emblematic of his strategy. In Tuesday’s press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, he called the potential change “beautiful” and “appropriate.” Yet Trump’s unapologetic vision, paired with his historic election comeback, signals that the former president has no plans to temper his unrelenting style. “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory,” Trump said. “The Gulf of America, what a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate.”

WATCH:

Trump has advocated for an expansionist foreign policy agenda as he prepares for his second term, proposing moves such as acquiring Greenland, reclaiming control of the Panama Canal, and even suggesting the annexation of Canada. Trump argued that Greenland, with its rich natural resources and strategic Arctic location, would enhance U.S. national security and reduce dependence on foreign resources, though Denmark has firmly resisted. On the Panama Canal, he criticized current fees as excessive and suggested U.S. oversight would better serve economic and security interests. His remarks about Canada, calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the “governor” of a U.S. state, have unsettled some Canadian officials.