In a historic move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The order, titled "Restoring Names That Honour American Greatness" (Executive Order 14172), directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to formalize the name change within 30 days and establishes February 9 as "Gulf of America Day."
“A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. And we will restore the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs,” Trump stated.
Gulf of America’s Economic Impact
The renaming has already sparked economic growth along the Gulf Coast, with local businesses seeing a surge in activity. Adam Peterson, owner of Gulf of America Outfitters, a Lafayette-based fishing charter company, has experienced an unexpected but welcome boost.
“For us, it’s always been a part of life. The Gulf supports so many Americans—whether through the oil industry, energy sector, or in our case, fishing. It’s incredible to see the recognition and the impact it’s already having,” said Peterson.
Branded as Gulf of America Outfitters since 2022, Peterson and his business partner, Dr. Joseph Crookshank, operate along the entire Gulf Coast, with fishing trips spanning Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Florida. He credits the renaming for a surge in interest, saying,
“What used to be quiet fishing towns now have lines of cars at red lights. In just the last few months, I’ve seen more economic growth along the coast than in the last three years.”
While Peterson emphasizes that his company is not involved in political debates, he welcomes the increased national awareness the renaming has brought to the region’s fishing industry, tourism, and local economies.
Official Recognition & Implementation
The executive order defines the newly named Gulf of America as including the U.S. Continental Shelf area from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida to the maritime boundary with Mexico and Cuba. Following the announcement, the U.S. Coast Guard has already begun using the new name, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has until early March to complete the transition.
During a flight aboard Air Force One en route to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Trump reaffirmed the significance of the change, calling it a "historic moment in restoring American pride." The proclamation also encourages public officials and citizens to observe Gulf of America Day with "appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities."
As businesses along the Gulf Coast continue to reap the benefits, locals like Peterson see the renaming as an opportunity to bring national attention to South Louisiana and everything the region has to offer—both in economic potential and cultural richness.