Mexican President Trolls Trump With 'Mexican America' Remark Over Gulf Renaming

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum playfully criticized Donald Trump’s plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” suggesting the U.S. could be called “Mexican America” instead. Read more on the diplomatic clash and responses.

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 31: President-elect Donald Trump arrived at his Mar-A-Lago estate on New Year’s Eve as he continued finalizing his incoming administration’s appointments before his January 20 inauguration. (Image Credit: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images/AFP)

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum playfully criticized Donald Trump on Wednesday, suggesting that the United States should be renamed “Mexican America” in response to Trump’s controversial proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

During her routine morning press briefing, Sheinbaum showcased a historical 17th-century map where North America was labeled as “Mexican America.” She pointed out that the Gulf of Mexico’s name is officially recognized by the United Nations, flipping Trump’s renaming idea back on him with a tongue-in-cheek comment: “Why not call the United States ‘Mexican America’? It sounds quite nice, doesn’t it?”

Despite her remarks, Sheinbaum clarified her intention to maintain positive diplomatic relations with the soon-to-be U.S. President.

Trump, set to begin his second term on January 20, recently declared his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico, stating, “The Gulf of America has a beautiful ring to it. It’s fitting. Mexico must stop allowing millions of people to flood into our country.”

He further accused Mexico of being controlled by drug cartels. Sheinbaum swiftly rebutted his claim, asserting, “In Mexico, the people rule.”

As Trump prepares to assume office, he has intensified his criticism of Mexico, threatening heavy tariffs on Mexican imports if the country fails to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking across the border. Additionally, Trump has revived his earlier consideration of designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.