Mexico has warned Google that it will take legal action if the tech giant does not fully restore the name “Gulf of Mexico” on its Google Maps platform, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday.
The dispute arose after U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the body of water as the “Gulf of America,” prompting Google to display different labels depending on the viewer’s location.
Currently, the Gulf appears as “Gulf of America” within the United States, “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico, and “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)” elsewhere.
In a letter to Mexico’s government, Google’s vice president of government affairs, Cris Turner, stated that the company would not alter its mapping policy, citing its longstanding impartial approach. However, Turner expressed openness to further discussions with Mexican officials.
President Sheinbaum rejected Google’s stance, emphasising that Mexico will not accept the renaming of a geographical area under its jurisdiction.
The Mexican government argued that the U.S. only controls about 46% of the gulf, while Mexico holds 49% and Cuba 5%, and that the name “Gulf of Mexico” has been internationally recognised since 1607.
Sheinbaum also highlighted broader diplomatic tensions with the United States, including trade disputes and migration issues.
Meanwhile, the controversy sparked a press freedom debate in the U.S., with the White House barring Associated Press reporters from events after the news agency refused to adopt the “Gulf of America” designation.
Mexico is awaiting Google’s response before proceeding with legal action, while high-level diplomatic meetings between Mexico and the U.S. on trade and security remain ongoing.
