US President Donald Trump’s penchant for renaming places found an unlikely new target Sunday when he suggested that the state of New Mexico could be renamed “New America.”
The proposal was swiftly dismissed by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who said the state’s name was not open for debate.
Trump’s suggestion came days after he signed an order seeking to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” amid an ongoing trade dispute with neighboring Canada.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” the Republican president wrote on social media. “So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House later reposted an image showing the word “Mexico” crossed out in the state’s name and replaced with “America.”
Some US media reports said the proposal originated as an internet hoax.
Lujan Grisham told Fox News that the state’s name “isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed.”
She also accused Trump of seeking to “distract Americans” from issues including rising gasoline prices.
Trump last week floated another possible name change, suggesting the Strait of Hormuz could be renamed the “Trump Strait” as the war with Iran continues. Hours later, however, he appeared to suggest that he was not serious about the idea.
Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” on his first day back in the White House in 2025, a move that was rejected by Mexico.
Canada has likewise rejected his attempt to rename Lake Ontario.
AFP
