Controversy Over Trump’s Proposal to Rename New Mexico

President Donald Trump recently faced criticism for suggesting a name change for New Mexico to ‘New America.’ The proposal appeared in Trump’s social media posts, accompanied by an altered image of a New Mexico map. The state’s largest newspaper criticized it as an ‘elementary’ joke by ‘immature people.’

The Proposal

On a Sunday, Trump shared an image of New Mexico with ‘Mexico’ crossed out and replaced with ‘America.’ The White House account on X followed by sharing a screenshot of this post. Trump’s posts continued on Truth Social, featuring an AI-generated video of himself placing a sticker labeled ‘America’ over a ‘Welcome to New Mexico’ sign.

Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico, one of the great vote cheating states of all time, to NEW AMERICA. So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State.

Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, he has no legal authority to rename any state. His idea sparked reactions from New Mexico’s leadership and its major newspaper.

Political Reactions

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her opposition on Instagram, affirming New Mexico’s name and heritage. She highlighted the state’s efforts in areas such as free childcare, college education, and healthcare. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and other political figures echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the state’s historical identity.

Democratic lawmakers like Representative Melanie Stansbury and Senator Martin Heinrich emphasized the importance of the state’s historical and cultural heritage. Republican gubernatorial nominee Gregg Hull also defended the state’s name, highlighting its deep-rooted history.

Albuquerque Journal’s Response

The Albuquerque Journal, through an op-ed by Ryan Boetel, criticized the name-change proposal as immature. Boetel urged New Mexicans not to be provoked by the president’s posts. He referenced Trump’s ongoing frustrations, suggesting that his actions aim to provoke reactions rather than articulate substantive policies.

Can Trump Change the State’s Name?

Trump suggested ‘New America’ as a more ‘patriotic’ name, yet New Mexico’s name predates U.S.-Mexican relations. Originating in the 16th century by Spanish explorers, the name was linked to the region long before the modern nation of Mexico. Since state names are constitutionally protected, such a change would need to begin within the state itself.

Other Name Changes by Trump

Since regaining office, Trump executed an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America,’ although this is unrecognized globally. He also attempted to rebrand Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ after unsuccessful trade discussions with Canada. Trump occasionally suggests adding his own name to geographic features, including proposing ‘Trump Strait’ for the Strait of Hormuz.