Mexico Sues Google Over Gulf of Mexico Name Change to Gulf of America

Mexico has taken a bold stand, filing a lawsuit against tech giant Google for renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its maps, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order in January 2025. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the legal action on Friday, signaling a fierce defense of national identity and territorial integrity.

The controversy erupted when Trump, on his first day back in office, signed an order to rename the northern part of the gulf, a body of water shared by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. Google swiftly adopted the Gulf of America label for U.S. users, citing its policy of aligning with local government naming conventions. However, Mexico argues that Google’s relabeling extends beyond the U.S. continental shelf, infringing on Mexican and Cuban maritime boundaries.

Sheinbaum, who had warned of legal action in February, emphasized that the gulf’s name, used for over 400 years, is a matter of historical and cultural significance. "This isn’t just a map change; it’s an overreach into our sovereignty," she stated, noting that Mexico controls 49% of the gulf, compared to the U.S.’s 46% and Cuba’s 5%. The lawsuit follows diplomatic efforts, including letters from Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry urging Google to reconsider.

Meanwhile, U.S. House Republicans have fueled the debate, passing the Gulf of America Act in a tight 211-206 vote to codify Trump’s order. The bill now awaits Senate consideration, raising the stakes in this geopolitical tug-of-war. Google, standing by its policy, has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

As maps become battlegrounds, this dispute underscores deeper tensions over national pride and global influence in the digital age.