President Donald Trump signs a proclamation aboard Air Force One, marking a significant shift in American maritime nomenclature.
According to Fox News, Trump has officially declared February 9 as 'Gulf of America Day' through a proclamation signed while flying over the newly renamed body of water on his way to Super Bowl LIX.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the proclamation through social media platform X, highlighting the historic moment as Air Force One flew over international waters. The timing coincided with Trump's journey to become the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, adding another layer of significance to the day's events.
The proclamation emphasizes the historical significance of the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico to American heritage. Trump's administration frames this renaming as part of their broader initiative to restore American pride in national greatness, viewing it as a fitting tribute to the country's maritime legacy.
Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum has already begun implementing the changes outlined in the executive order. The rename will be reflected in official federal documents and maps, though the extent of its application in educational settings remains unclear.
Eric Trump, the president's son, took to social media to celebrate the proclamation, emphasizing its significance as another achievement in the Make America Great Again agenda.
The Gulf renaming initiative is part of a broader campaign to revise geographical names across America. Trump has expressed intentions to restore Mount Denali's previous name, Mount McKinley, citing President William McKinley's legacy as a businessman and governor.
Trump shared his perspective on the McKinley renaming during a December rally. His comments reflected a broader stance on preserving historical presidential recognition in geographical landmarks.
The president's proclamation aboard Air Force One stated:
Today, I am very honored to recognize February 9, 2025, as the first ever Gulf of America Day. I took this action in part because, as stated in that Order, "[t]he area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.
The renaming has garnered attention from residents along the Gulf Coast states, with various reactions to the change. The White House has emphasized the symbolic importance of the timing, coinciding with Trump's historic Super Bowl attendance.
The implementation process for the name change will involve multiple federal agencies working to update official documentation and geographical references. This systematic approach ensures consistency across government communications and federal materials.
The proclamation represents a significant shift in how this body of water will be referenced in official contexts, though the practical implications for international maritime agreements and regional cooperation remain to be seen.
President Donald Trump's proclamation declaring February 9 as Gulf of America Day represents a significant shift in American geographical naming conventions. The declaration signed aboard Air Force One while en route to Super Bowl LIX, establishes a new designation for the body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico. The implementation process will involve updating federal documents and maps while the administration continues its broader initiative of geographical renaming, including potential changes to other landmarks such as Mount Denali.
