“Donald Trump Suggests a New Name For…”
1. The “Gulf of America”: Rebranding Geography as Policy
a) The Announcement
On January 7, 2025, during a Mar-a-Lago press event, then-President-Elect Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”, declaring it “a beautiful ring”—a name he claimed was “appropriate” given U.S. dominance over the area
b) Executive Order 14172
Upon taking office on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness.” It directed the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to change federal references from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” (and also revert Denali’s name back to “Mount McKinley”)
c) Rollout and Reactions
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The renaming began appearing in federal maps, official documents, and some U.S. state and private entities after January 24
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Trump also declared February 9 as “Gulf of America Day”
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Supporters like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and outlets like Chevron adopted the new name
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Critics—including the Associated Press, most Americans, and Alaskan political figures—resisted the change, noting cultural insensitivity and international norms
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Hillary Clinton was seen laughing during the inauguration speech when Trump announced this name change
d) The Bigger Picture
Renaming geographic features is more than a trivial rebrand—it touches on national identity, cultural recognition, and historical legacy. Trump’s choices illustrate how naming can be a tool of power and political messaging
2. The “MAGA” Rebrand for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
a) The Proposal
In August 2025, Trump proposed merging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into a single publicly traded entity under the ticker symbol “MAGA”, referencing his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” He even shared an AI-generated image of himself ringing a mock New York Stock Exchange opening bell
b) Strategic Branding
This move represents more than a cosmetic change—it’s a branding exercise aimed at aligning major financial institutions with his political identity and rallying support among his base. Details on how the merger would occur remain murky
3. Sporting Identities: Bringing Back the “Redskins”
a) Naming Demands
Recently, Trump urged the NFL’s Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, the “Redskins.” He even warned that a new $3.7 billion stadium project could face jeopardy if they refused
b) Cultural and Political Fallout
This suggestion reopened heated debates on racial sensitivities, team identity, and political interference in sports. Experts interpret his demand as a strategic distraction and exertion of power, hinting at the broader role of naming in nation-building, identity politics, and cultural memory
4. Why Naming Matters—and Why Trump Leans into It
Across these examples—geography, housing finance, team identity—the recurring thread is naming as control. As noted by branding experts, “To name is to collapse infinite complexity into a manageable symbol,” and those with the power to name can shape perception, narrative, and influence
Trump’s choices reflect a consistent strategy: to reaffirm an “America First” identity, reinforce his political brand, and influence discourse through symbolic gestures. Whether it succeeds or becomes a flashpoint depends on public, legal, and political reactions.
