TD WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — US President Donald Trump has floated the idea of renaming the state of New Mexico “New America,” saying he loves the proposed name.
Trump made the suggestion Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he shared a map of New Mexico with the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America.”
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote.
“So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!” he added.
The White House subsequently amplified the idea by reposting an image showing “Mexico” crossed out and “America” inserted in its place.
Neither the White House post nor Trump’s original post announced a formal policy or executive action to change the state’s name.
New Mexico Governor Rejects Proposal
The proposal was swiftly rejected by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The governor told Fox News that the state’s name was not open for debate, arguing that it predates the United States itself.
“The name isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed,” Lujan Grisham said.
She also accused Trump of attempting to distract Americans from pressing issues, including rising gasoline prices.
Trump Cannot Unilaterally Rename the State
Despite Trump’s suggestion, there has been no legal change to the name of New Mexico.
Unlike certain federal geographic naming decisions, a US president does not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally rename a state.
Any legal change to New Mexico’s name would have to go through the appropriate state-level constitutional process.
New Mexico became the 47th US state on January 6, 1912, while the name “New Mexico” dates back centuries to the Spanish name “Nuevo México.”
Latest in Trump’s Renaming Campaign
Trump’s “New America” suggestion comes amid a broader series of controversial efforts to change the names of geographic locations.
During his second term, Trump ordered federal agencies to use “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”
His administration has also promoted the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario following Trump’s recent executive order concerning the name.
Trump also recently floated the idea of calling the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait”.
He, however, later appeared to indicate that he was not serious about the proposal.
Proposal Sparks Backlash
The latest proposal has generated criticism from New Mexico officials and others who argue that the state’s historic name is deeply connected to its identity and heritage.
The controversy also comes at a time of heightened political and economic tensions.
It added another unusual chapter to Trump’s campaign to reshape the names used for prominent geographic locations.
For now, however, New Mexico remains officially New Mexico, with no formal process announced to change its name to “New America.”
