Can Trump Rename the Gulf of Mexico and Who Owns It?
Can Trump Rename the Gulf of Mexico and Who Owns It?
The Gulf of Mexico serves as a significant economic hub for the United States, Mexico, and Cuba.
President-elect Donald Trump is once again contemplating a bold, albeit unlikely, international acquisition—similar to his previous consideration of the "absolute necessity" of the United States purchasing Greenland—as he prepares to assume office.
Currently, Trump is entertaining the notion of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America."
The countries that exert the most influence over the gulf are the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, which have collaboratively utilized this body of water for many years. The gulf is vital for various economic activities, including fishing, electricity production, and maritime trade.
The name "Gulf of Mexico" does not originate from the contemporary nation of Mexico; rather, it is derived from a Native American settlement that has held this name for over four centuries.
Despite the shared nature of the gulf among several nations, Trump recently asserted that the United States contributes the "most work" in the region and claimed that the body of water should be named after America "because it's ours."
Ownership of the gulf remains a contentious issue; however, it is a fact that the United States has asserted authority over a significant portion of it. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, U.S. territorial waters extend 12 nautical miles from its coastline, with the federal government overseeing both the waters and the submerged areas of the Outer Continental Shelf.
In line with some of Trump's statements, he did not elaborate on the specifics of how he intends to implement the name change, deferring action on the matter to "a future date pretty soon."
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a supporter of Trump, announced her intention to propose legislation aimed at renaming the gulf on Thursday.
“The American people are footing the bill to protect and secure the maritime waterways for commerce to be conducted. Our U.S. armed forces protect the area from any military threats from foreign countries,” she said in a statement. “It’s our gulf. The rightful name is the Gulf of America and it’s what the entire world should refer to it as.”
The United States may enact legislation mandating a name change within its borders; however, there would be no obligation for other countries to comply with such a decision.
Trump has also utilized his statements to criticize Mexico, labeling the country as "very dangerous" and "in a lot of trouble," referencing issues such as drug trafficking and illegal immigration. It is important to note that a significant portion of drug trafficking from Mexico is driven by the consumer demand in the United States.
Additionally, Trump has suggested the implementation of tariffs on both Mexico and Canada should these nations fail to address his demands regarding illegal immigration and drug trafficking. He has asserted that America's neighboring countries are accountable for a considerable volume of drug and illegal immigrant crossings, yet he has not substantiated his assertions with data or evidence.
If Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is taking Trump's threats regarding the renaming of the gulf seriously, she has not publicly indicated this. Nevertheless, she has addressed his tariff threats, informing the former president that the violence perpetrated by cartels in Mexico—and the resulting instability—is largely driven by American demand for illegal drugs and the smuggling of U.S.-manufactured weapons into her country.
Trump has suggested the possibility of U.S. military operations in Mexico aimed at confronting drug cartels. He has also indicated his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as "terrorist organizations." Additionally, he has accused Panama of imposing excessive charges on U.S. shipping vessels utilizing the Panama Canal.
The idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" reflects a troubling sense of entitlement and disregard for international cooperation. Such a move would not only be disrespectful to the historical and cultural significance of the region, but it also undermines the shared responsibility of the United States, Mexico, and Cuba in managing this vital body of water.
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Trump's proposal is based on a narrow, nationalistic perspective that fails to consider the broader geopolitical and environmental implications. Instead of fostering unity, it risks further alienating neighboring countries and damaging diplomatic relations in an already tense global landscape.
