Several major companies, including BP and Chevron, have adopted President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” aligning their terminology with the government’s new position, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
Among the corporations that have accepted the change are BP, Chevron, and Shell, highlighting the continued influence of the Trump administration on corporate practices in the United States.
Trump issued an executive order early in his presidency to officially rename the vast body of water, spanning 620,000 square miles and bordering the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, as the “Gulf of America.”
Corporations operating in the region have swiftly moved to comply with the order.
BP now refers to its operations in the area as being located in the Gulf of America in its regulatory reports and on its corporate website.
Chevron’s CEO, Mike Wirth, confirmed the company’s acceptance of the rebranding, stating during a conference call on January 31, “We’re calling it Gulf of America. That’s the position of the U.S. government now.”
Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple have also updated their mapping services to reflect the name change for U.S. users.
A representative from Microsoft confirmed that Bing Maps is incorporating the new name, while Google stated it aligns with official name changes. Apple has yet to make any public statement about its decision.
This development underscores Trump’s ongoing influence over corporate America, especially as many companies seek to align with his administration.
Many businesses, particularly those in industries like energy, have been eager to adapt to the administration’s policies on issues ranging from diversity and environmental sustainability to fossil fuel support, including expanding offshore drilling opportunities.
Trump’s renaming order applies solely to federal government publications and communications, allowing private businesses to use the original name. Nonetheless, branding experts suggest that companies embracing the new name are signaling their willingness to cooperate with the administration.
“All these companies are very attuned and playing the long-term Washington lobbying game,” said Allen Adamson, co-founder of marketing firm Metaforce.
BP explained it made the change to match U.S. government policy, and Chevron stated that it adheres to federal guidelines regarding geographic names. Some oil companies, such as Exxon Mobil, Halliburton, and Murphy Oil, have not yet adopted the new name, continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico in their reports.
A poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos revealed that 70% of respondents opposed the renaming, and the change has had an impact on media access.
The Associated Press reported that one of its journalists was denied access to a White House event after the agency announced its decision to continue using the Gulf of Mexico name. “Limiting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of AP’s speech not only severely impedes the public’s access to independent news, it plainly violates the First Amendment,” the AP said in a statement.
The Gulf of Mexico, which has been known by its historic name for over 400 years, has deep cultural and geographical significance, with references to the name dating back to the 16th century.
{Matzav.com}
Well first I am not a fan of the Inquisition…but the Spanish got there first. and had Florida. and even most of the Gulf Coast after 1781 when they got Florida back from the English.
New Spain, of which Mexico was a Part, was the dominant order int he region…you want to call something a new name…go ahead…but do not expect everyone to bow before you like servants.