Google Maps to Reflect Trump Administration's Controversial Name Changes, Including "Gulf of America"

Google Maps to Reflect Trump Administration's Controversial Name Changes, Including "Gulf of America"

In a move that has sparked both controversy and confusion, Google Maps is set to reflect name changes ordered by the Trump administration for several American landmarks. This includes the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" and the restoration of the name "Mount McKinley" for Denali, North America's highest peak. This decision, driven by a now-former presidential executive order, highlights the complexities of cartography in the face of political agendas and the potential for geographic names to become battlegrounds. While Google has stated its policy is to reflect official government sources, the changes have been met with resistance and raise questions about international recognition and the accuracy of maps. This article delves into the details of these changes, the reactions they have elicited, and the broader implications for the future of mapping. The Executive Order and Its Aftermath: The impetus for these name changes originated from a…