Apple Maps Still Calls It the Gulf of Mexico, Despite an Executive Order
When President Trump signed an executive order calling for the renaming of several landmarks, including the Gulf of Mexico, many wondered what would happen next. However, Apple Maps and other private mapping platforms have not made any changes, and there’s a good reason why—it’s not as straightforward as it might seem.
Maps Are More Complex Than They Appear
For centuries, maps have been a vital tool for understanding global geography. Yet, they’ve often reflected inaccuracies. For example, the map we used for a long time, designed in 1569, distorted the size of continents, showing North America and Europe as much larger than they actually are.
It wasn’t until nearly 500 years later that more accurate map models began to gain traction, such as those that correctly depict the true scale of continents. This serves as a reminder that maps are deeply intricate and any modifications to the ones we depend on demand significant time and effort.
So, when President Trump issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” it’s important to understand that such changes aren’t easily implemented. Even if the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) adopts the new name for federal usage, its authority only extends to U.S. government references, not to private entities or international standards.
Why Private Companies Don’t Have to Comply
Executive orders apply solely to federal or state agencies—they have no jurisdiction over private corporations or the general public. This means companies like Apple and Google aren’t obligated to rename geographic locations on their mapping platforms simply because of an executive order.
Representative Dan Crenshaw of Texas, who voiced his frustration over this matter on X (formerly Twitter), should understand these limitations. The BGN can direct federal agencies to adopt the name change, but it’s unlikely the rest of the world will follow suit.
Global Standards in Geographic Naming
The Gulf of Mexico has been called by that name for over 400 years. Its origins trace back to the Aztec people, who inhabited the region when European colonization began. The idea of globally standardizing map names has always been critical for ensuring universal understanding.
The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEN) works with member countries to establish naming standards. It’s doubtful that this group—or any other countries—would adopt a name change as arbitrary as “Gulf of America.” For international maps, the Gulf of Mexico is likely here to stay.
Apple and Google, as global companies, rely on both their own data and public resources to name and map locations. These companies must cater to a worldwide user base, which makes adhering to internationally recognized names essential.
The Politics of Name Changes
This isn’t the first time a nation has attempted to pressure private companies into altering map names. Authoritarian governments, such as Russia, have clashed with platforms like Apple and Google over territorial disputes, such as the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Similarly, China has pushed for maps to exclude Taiwan as a separate entity.
Standardizing names on maps is critical for clarity, especially in cross-border contexts. Even so, many countries have names for places that differ from the English-language conventions on standardized maps. For example, Japan is known as Nihon within the country, while Germany is called Deutschland.
What’s Next?
In the U.S., it’s possible that some paper maps and educational materials may reflect the “Gulf of America” in the wake of this executive order. However, internationally, the name “Gulf of Mexico” will almost certainly prevail. Even within the U.S. military, international naming conventions are adhered to, meaning the Gulf of Mexico will remain the standard.
If Representative Crenshaw is truly upset, perhaps his frustration should be directed at the BGN. As of now, the Gulf of Mexico is still officially listed in its database. Meanwhile, Apple and Google are unlikely to make changes based on the demands of a single nation.
For now, the Gulf of Mexico will remain just that—both in name and in the digital maps we use daily.
