The United States Newest Holiday? ‘Gulf of America Day’

President Donald J. Trump has officially proclaimed February 9 as the Gulf of America Day, marking the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The declaration follows his signing of Executive Order 14172, which directed the Department of the Interior to implement the name change. The administration framed the move as part of a broader effort to restore national pride and recognize what it called “American greatness.”

The renaming order applies to the U.S. Continental Shelf area of the Gulf, bordered by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to its maritime boundaries with Mexico and Cuba. The proclamation urges Americans and public officials to commemorate the occasion through programs, ceremonies, and activities. Trump made his first visit to the region under its new designation on the day of the proclamation.

The decision has sparked debate, with critics questioning the necessity and diplomatic implications of the name change. Mexico and Cuba, whose territories also border the Gulf, have not officially responded to the proclamation. While the order pertains specifically to U.S. maritime areas, international maps and agreements still refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico. It remains unclear how or if foreign governments will address the renaming.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.

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