US Florida Gov. DeSantis becomes first to use ‘Gulf of America’ in executive order
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee, Florida, on September 26, 2024. (AFP Photo)
As discussions surrounding the Gulf of Mexico continue in the U.S., Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has sparked attention by using the term “Gulf of America” in a recent executive order, declaring a state of emergency over a cold snap.
The executive order, issued shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, refers to a low-pressure system moving across the “Gulf of America” in its forecast. The order warns that the system will bring widespread winter weather to northern Florida beginning Jan. 21, 2025.
This marks the first time a state has used the term “Gulf of America,” aligning with President Trump’s controversial remarks on the issue.
During a Jan. 7 press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump claimed the U.S. had “needlessly” made concessions to both Canada and Mexico. He stated his administration would work to revise economic relations and trade with both countries. Trump’s rhetoric included references to the Gulf, which has long been known as the Gulf of Mexico, calling for its renaming to the “Gulf of America.”
In response to Trump’s comments, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously took to social media on Jan. 9, offering a historical counterpoint.
“I present an old map from 1607. Of course, the Gulf of Mexico is officially recognized by the United Nations,” she wrote, adding, “But why don’t we call North America ‘Mexico America’? It sounds nice, doesn’t it? We can discuss this according to the Apatzingan Constitution. Then, let’s call North America ‘Mexico America.'”
Trump repeated his stance during his inaugural address, declaring, “Soon, we will change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the America Gulf.”
