Mexico’s president fired back at Donald Trump’s latest remarks, suggesting that part of the United States be renamed instead of the Gulf of Mexico.
In response to Trump’s assertion that the Gulf of Mexico should be called the “Gulf of America,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum presented historical maps of the Americas during her daily press briefing. She pointed out that the Gulf of Mexico has carried its name since the early 17th century and is recognized internationally, including by the United Nations.
Sheinbaum also jokingly suggested that U.S. states such as California and Texas could return to their former name, “America Mexicana.” “It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” she quipped during the press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday.
Trump, speaking at a press event Tuesday at his Mar-a-Lago resort, had escalated tensions with Mexico. He claimed the country is “run by the cartels,” criticized its role as a transit point for undocumented migrants heading to the U.S., and reiterated his plan to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican goods. “We want to get along with everybody, but it takes two to tango,” Trump stated.
The exchange marks a continuation of the uneasy relationship between the two leaders. Sheinbaum last spoke with Trump in November, discussing topics like Mexico’s efforts to manage migration. While her public responses to Trump’s provocations have been sharp, her willingness to collaborate on pressing issues has garnered some acknowledgment from the U.S. president-elect.
On Wednesday, Sheinbaum pushed back against Trump’s comments about cartel control in Mexico. “President Trump has been misinformed, with all due respect,” she said. She reminded reporters that Mexico is no longer governed by former President Felipe Calderón or Genaro García Luna, the ex-security chief convicted in the U.S. in 2023 for colluding with drug traffickers. “Today in Mexico, it’s the people who govern,” she stated.
Despite Trump’s inflammatory remarks, Sheinbaum expressed hope for a constructive bilateral relationship. “I still believe we’ll have a good working relationship with Trump,” she told reporters.
