Mexico has threatened to take legal action against Google after the tech giant renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” for its US-based users. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that her government would pursue a lawsuit if the company does not reverse the change, asserting that it violates Mexico’s territorial waters.
Sheinbaum clarified that the name change, which follows an executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump in January 2025, only applies to the portion of the Gulf under US jurisdiction. She emphasized that the order does not extend to the areas within Mexico’s and Cuba’s territorial waters, stating, “Google has no right to rename the continental shelf belonging to Mexico and Cuba.”
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The Mexican government had previously raised concerns with Google in January, urging the company to respect Mexico’s territorial claims. Sheinbaum sent a new letter to Google, demanding that references to the “Gulf of America” be limited to the US-controlled portion of the Gulf.
Google responded by defending its decision, stating that the renaming on US maps aligns with its standard practice of reflecting official government geographic names. While users in the US will see “Gulf of America,” those in Mexico and other countries will continue to see the “Gulf of Mexico.” The company expressed its willingness to engage in “constructive dialogue” but emphasized its commitment to adhering to authoritative government sources.
In a playful remark, Sheinbaum suggested that if the US insists on renaming the Gulf, it could consider renaming itself “Mexican America,” referencing the period before 1848 when Mexico lost significant territories to the US. The situation continues to draw attention, with Mexico’s government firm in its stance, warning that it will take legal steps if necessary to protect its territorial integrity.
