‘Gulf of America’? Trump proposes bold renaming, targets Mexico and Canada | World News – Times of India

In a statement as audacious as it was provocative, President-elect Donald Trump declared on Tuesday his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The announcement, accompanied by criticisms of Mexico’s trade and immigration policies, has already stirred controversy on both sides of the border.
“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America,” Trump told reporters. “What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate. It’s appropriate. Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.”
Trump asserted that the US does “most of the work there” and claimed the gulf “belongs” to America. The Republican leader added that an official announcement would come “at a future date pretty soon.”

A swipe at Mexico and tariff threats

The comments were part of Trump’s broader critique of Mexico, which he labeled “a very dangerous place, essentially run by the cartels.” He also reiterated his long-standing grievances about the US’s trade deficit with both Mexico and Canada, threatening to impose steep tariffs on both countries.
“And we’re going to put very serious tariffs on Mexico and Canada,” Trump said, accusing Canada of being a drug trafficking route. “The drugs that are coming through are at record numbers.”

Trudeau’s resignation sparks merger talk

Trump’s remarks didn’t stop with Mexico. He floated the idea of a US-Canada merger following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation on Monday. “Canada… they come through Canada too,” he said, alluding to drug routes, before suggesting a potential unification of the two nations.

Historic waters, bold claims

The Gulf of Mexico, a body of water spanning over half a million square miles, has been recognized on European maps since the 1500s. Trump’s proposal to rename it has sparked criticism from historians and foreign policy experts, who note that such a move would likely face significant international backlash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo and outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have both spoken with Trump about his tariff threats in recent months. Neither leader has commented on the proposed renaming or merger suggestion, but political analysts predict that Trump’s statements could further strain North American relations.
With his inauguration just weeks away, Trump’s comments have set the stage for a contentious start to his administration.