Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had a sharp and playful response Wednesday to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico, suggesting instead that the United States should be called “Mexican America.”
Trump, 78, made headlines on Tuesday during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate when he revealed his ambition to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” saying it had a “beautiful ring” and would be more fitting for the vast area it covers.
In a light-hearted yet pointed retort, Sheinbaum, 62, showcased a map from 1607 that labeled North America as “Mexican America,” humorously suggesting that perhaps the entire US should adopt that name. “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds nice, no?” Sheinbaum quipped, while gently poking fun at Trump’s proposal.
Her comments didn’t stop there. Sheinbaum also took the opportunity to challenge Trump’s recent remarks about Mexico being run by violent drug cartels, clarifying that it was not the cartels, but the people of Mexico who were in charge. This, too, appeared to be a subtle jab at Trump’s often critical stance on Mexico.
While the Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for centuries, Trump’s idea to rename it has sparked significant attention. The proposal has already led to action on Capitol Hill, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) introducing a bill to fund the changes to official maps. The move would likely create complications for organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization, which works to ensure global consistency in naming bodies of water.
In his remarks, Trump didn’t just stop at the Gulf; he also speculated about using military power to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal Zone, and even discussed using “economic force” to pressure Canada into becoming the 51st state.
These latest comments are part of Trump’s ongoing tension with Mexico, particularly over immigration policies and trade. Trump criticized Mexico for not doing enough to curb illegal immigration and threatened to impose 25% tariffs on both Mexico and Canada if the situation didn’t improve.
While his proposal to rename the Gulf may seem outlandish to some, Sheinbaum’s response reminded everyone that diplomacy, even in jest, can sometimes make a powerful statement.
