Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Google over its decision to label the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for U.S. users on Google Maps. A move prompted by a 2025 executive order from President Trump. The change, implemented in February, followed guidance from the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and applies to American federal maps.
Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, formally objected to the change, citing concerns over sovereignty. Despite direct appeals to Google, including a letter from Sheinbaum, the company confirmed it would adhere to its policy of reflecting official government names in their respective regions. Google now displays “Gulf of America” to U.S. users, “Gulf of Mexico” to Mexican users, and both names to users elsewhere.
Sheinbaum argues the executive order only applies to U.S. territorial waters and lacks jurisdiction over the full gulf. According to Mexico, the U.S. controls roughly 46% of the Gulf, while Mexico holds 49% and Cuba 5%. The lawsuit claims Google’s labeling endorses unilateral redefinition of an international body of water, undermining established boundaries.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation to formalize the name change for federal use, instructing agencies to update all relevant materials.
The legal challenge is now in motion. Full details of the suit have not been disclosed.
