From 'New America' to the Moon: Trump and the new geography of the United States

Donald Trump has proposed changing the name of the U.S. state of New Mexico to “New America,” according to a social media post shared on his platform, Truth Social, and subsequently amplified by the White House. The message features a map of the state with the word “Mexico” struck through in red and replaced with “America.” Trump wrote, “Many suggest changing the name of New Mexico, one of the great states where election fraud has occurred repeatedly, into New America. It would be much more prestigious and beautiful for the residents of this potentially incredible state. I really like that!” This announcement comes just days after Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” part of a broader effort to reshape geographic terminology to reflect his political vision. The move follows similar actions earlier in his presidency, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico as “Gulf of America” in January 2025. Trump has hinted at further changes, suggesting that he might also seek to rename the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, though no formal steps have been taken toward such proposals. The proposal to rename New Mexico is not legally binding, as presidents lack authority to change the names of states. Such changes require legislative action within each state. While Trump has the power to influence federal usage of geographic names, particularly through the Geographic Names Information System, the renaming of entire states remains outside his jurisdiction. The New Mexico State government has yet to issue any formal response to the suggestion. The governor of New Mexico, Democratic Party member Michelle Lujan Grisham, has publicly dismissed the idea, stating on social media that the state’s name is not under discussion. She emphasized that the name of New Mexico dates back centuries, long before the formation of the United States. “The name of New Mexico is not in question, it belongs to us even before the United States existed,” she wrote, adding that the focus should remain on supporting families and workers during challenging times. In addition to the New Mexico proposal, Trump recently posted an image captioned “THE MOON IS OURS,” which has drawn attention for its speculative tone. This statement, while not accompanied by official policy or legal backing, aligns with his tendency to use provocative language and imagery to reinforce his brand of nationalism. The claim echoes themes of American exceptionalism and territorial ambition, though it conflicts with international agreements such as the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits national claims over celestial bodies. These recent moves fit into a pattern of using geography as a tool for political messaging. Earlier in his term, Trump altered the names of several geographical features, including the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario, often framing them as symbolic gestures aimed at reshaping public perception. However, these changes have not always translated into tangible political gains. Efforts to expand U.S. territory, such as attempts to annex Canada or Greenland, have largely failed, and military interventions in regions like Venezuela and Cuba have yielded limited results. Despite these setbacks, Trump continues to leverage his influence over domestic narratives, using toponymic shifts to bolster his image and distract from ongoing challenges. His administration has faced criticism for diverting attention away from pressing issues such as inflation, energy costs, and geopolitical tensions. As mid-term elections approach, some analysts suggest that Trump’s unconventional strategies may aim to galvanize his base ahead of the vote. While the renaming of New Mexico remains a symbolic gesture, it underscores the extent to which political leaders can shape public discourse through seemingly minor acts. Whether such efforts will gain traction or fade into obscurity depends on how they are received by both the public and the institutions that govern the nation’s identity. For now, the debate over the name of New Mexico continues, reflecting the complex intersection of politics, history, and national pride.