President Donald Trump made history on Sunday by signing a proclamation declaring February 9th as “Gulf of America Day.” The announcement came as he flew over the recently renamed body of water en route to Super Bowl LIX, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended the event.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the news on X, stating, “MOMENTS AGO ON AF1: President Trump signed a Proclamation declaring February 9th ‘Gulf of America Day’ while flying over the newly and appropriately named GULF OF AMERICA!”
Renaming Gulf of Mexico
Trump first proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico during his inaugural press conference as the 47th President of the United States. He argued that the new name better reflects America’s historical and territorial legacy. “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 stated at the time.
The renaming applies to official federal documents and maps, though it remains unclear whether educational institutions will be required to adopt the new terminology. The White House also released a video showing Trump signing the proclamation aboard Air Force One while flying over the Gulf of America.
Restoring American Pride
In his proclamation, Trump emphasised the symbolic importance of the renaming. “As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion,” the document read.
Trump has also pushed for renaming other landmarks, including Alaska’s Mount Denali, which he suggests should revert to its original name, Mount McKinley, in honour of the 25th US president.
With this latest move, the administration continues its push to reshape American geography and national identity in alignment with Trump’s vision for the country.