President Donald Trump recently suggested renaming New Mexico to “New America” in social media posts. The proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters, including New Mexico’s largest newspaper, which described it as an “elementary” joke by “immature people.”
Trump’s Proposal
On Sunday, Trump shared an image showing a New Mexico map with “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America.” The official White House account later shared this post on X. Following this, Trump posted a video on Truth Social depicting himself altering a “Welcome to New Mexico” sign by placing a “America” sticker over it. In his caption, he described New Mexico as “one of the great vote cheating states” and suggested renaming it to “NEW AMERICA” as a more prestigious title.
Since he resumed his presidency in January 2025, Trump has rebranded several landmarks, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” and Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” However, the proposal regarding New Mexico is more superficial; Trump lacks the legal authority to rename any state. The suggestion has sparked strong reactions from New Mexico officials and newspapers.
Responses from New Mexico Politicians
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham criticized Trump’s post on Instagram, affirming the state’s historical name which predates the United States. She emphasized ongoing initiatives in the state under Democratic leadership, focusing on childcare, healthcare, and housing, rather than “coloring on maps.”
Deb Haaland, former Interior Secretary and Democratic nominee for governor, questioned the seriousness of the proposal on X, asserting that New Mexico is not available for renaming or sale. Other Democratic representatives voiced strong opposition, highlighting the state’s rich history and cultural significance. Representative Gabe Vasquez firmly stated, “You don’t get to erase New Mexico. Not our name. Not our history. Not our culture.” Republican Gregg Hull, the gubernatorial nominee, also opposed the change, underscoring the state’s deep historical roots and identity, which are “not up for negotiation.”
Criticism from the Albuquerque Journal
The Albuquerque Journal, through journalist Ryan Boetel, criticized the proposal, calling it “low-hanging fruit” and advising residents not to engage. Boetel suggested Trump’s actions stem from frustrations over issues such as the war in Iran, rising costs of living, and declining approval ratings, intending to provoke a response from New Mexicans.
Boetel encouraged New Mexicans to ignore these provocations, suggesting that Trump’s attempts to stir controversy are merely an attempt to “get a rise” out of people by becoming more obnoxious when frustrated.
Legal and Historical Context
The name “New Mexico” has roots in early Spanish exploration, predating the Mexican state’s naming. It became a U.S. territory in the mid-1800s. Any name change would require an internal process within the state, as it’s protected by the state constitution.
President Trump has previously attempted rebranding, ordering the federal renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Despite federal changes, such names are not recognized internationally. His suggestion to rename the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait” indicates a pattern of proposing name changes, occasionally adding his own name.
These actions and proposals have met with resistance, both domestically and internationally, reinforcing the fixed identity of regions resistant to rebranding without broad agreement.
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