In a move that has sparked both controversy and conversation, Google announced on Monday that it would be renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on all its maps.
This decision comes in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. In addition, the tech giant will also revert to using the name Mount McKinley, replacing the current Denali.
According to The Post Millennial, Google issued a statement on the matter, saying, "Weve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps. We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources." This move reflects Google's commitment to aligning its services with official government directives and standards.
The Department of the Interior has already confirmed that they will be implementing these changes to their maps in accordance with the executive order. "As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America and North Americas highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley. These changes reaffirm the Nations commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets," the Interior Department stated.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the Department of the Interior, is working swiftly to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System. Once these changes are effective for federal use, Google will update its maps accordingly.
The name change was first mentioned by Trump in his inauguration address, a move that elicited laughter from former political rival Hillary Clinton. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order entitled "Restoring the Names that Honor American Greatness."
The order stated, "It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes. The naming of our national treasures, including breathtaking natural wonders and historic works of art, should honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans in our Nations rich past." Trump announced his plans ahead of taking office.
The executive order's Section 4 dealt specifically with the Gulf of Mexico rename. It highlighted the Gulf's integral role in America's early trade and global commerce, its rich natural resources, and its importance to the U.S. economy today. The Gulf's abundant oil and gas regions, vibrant fisheries, and status as a popular destination for American tourism were all cited as reasons for the rename.
The order concluded, "The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Americas future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nations economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America."
This move by Google and the Department of the Interior, in response to Trump's executive order, underscores the ongoing debate about the preservation and celebration of America's heritage. As the Gulf of Mexico becomes the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley reclaims its name, the nation watches, divided on the implications of these changes.
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