House Passes Bill to Rename Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America"

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The initiative reflects a nationalist symbolic gesture led by Republicans, emphasizing sovereignty and American identity without bipartisan consensus.

House Vote Details

On May 8, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The measure passed narrowly with a 211-206 vote. Every Democratic member opposed the bill, and only one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, voted against it.

Background: Executive Order 14172

The legislation builds on Executive Order 14172, signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. That order directed federal agencies to begin using the term "Gulf of America" in all formal references.

The House bill seeks to make this directive permanent by codifying it into federal law. If enacted, federal departments would be required to change maps, communications, and databases within 180 days.

Supporters' Perspective

Supporters of the bill argue that renaming the Gulf reinforces American territorial identity and reflects the country's economic and strategic dominance in the region. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who introduced the bill, stated that the change is “about honoring American greatness.”

Several major oil and energy companies, such as Chevron and BP, have already begun adopting the new terminology in internal documents to comply with evolving federal language use.

Opposition and Criticism

Democrats strongly opposed the bill, calling it an unnecessary and symbolic distraction from more pressing national concerns. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA) criticized the bill as “dumb” and said it does nothing to help Gulf Coast communities or improve policy outcomes.

The bill has also drawn international criticism. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the move, stating that Mexico will continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico.

Implementation and Future Outlook

Should the bill become law, all federal agencies will have six months to update documents, websites, and public materials to reflect the name "Gulf of America."However, the bill's fate in the Senate remains uncertain, as Democratic resistance and potential moderate Republican hesitation could block its passage.

Some media organizations have pushed back. The Associated Press faced temporary restrictions from White House briefings after continuing to use "Gulf of Mexico." After legal action, their press credentials were reinstated.

The bill’s passage in the House marks another episode in the cultural and political battles over language and national symbolism. Its legislative future will now be determined in the Senate.