President Donald Trump proposed renaming the state of New Mexico to “New America” during a social media posting wave on Truth Social, according to reports from AFP and the New York Post. The suggestion drew an immediate rejection from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who stated that the state’s name is “not for debate” and accused the administration of attempting to distract the public from rising domestic costs such as fuel prices.
New Mexico Rebrand Proposal Triggers Pushback
Trump published the proposal on Sunday, sharing a map of the southwestern state with the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America.” According to the New York Post, the post was part of a series of 34 updates published in under an hour. The White House subsequently reposted the image on its official channels. “Banyak orang menyarankan untuk mengubah nama New Mexico… menjadi NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote, according to AFP, adding that the new moniker would be “jauh lebih bergengsi dan indah.” Governor Grisham, who has served since 2019, responded during an appearance on Fox News by emphasizing that the state’s historical identity predates the establishment of the United States itself.
Social Media Parody Origins and Broader Renaming Context
According to USA Today, the “New America” map originated as a parody post published on September 1 by a satirical account named Daily Noud on X, which previously posted a fake claim that Trump had signed an executive order regarding the state’s title. Variations of the graphic later circulated on Instagram and Facebook, prompting scrutiny from the urban legend tracking organization Snopes. The push to alter regional names is part of a broader pattern during Trump’s second term. On his first day back in office in January 2025, Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico renamed the “Gulf of America” to honor national greatness, a change rejected by Mexican authorities. Late last month, an executive order signed amid an ongoing trade war with Canada sought to rechristen Lake Ontario as “Lake America,” a move similarly rebuffed by Canadian officials, as reported by AFP.
Public Approval and Administration Distraction Claims
The latest renaming proposal arrives as the administration faces domestic political headwinds. Critics, including Governor Grisham, argue that the geographical rebrand campaigns serve as political distractions from these economic challenges. During the same weekend social media storm, Trump also posted an image of his face superimposed over wrestler Hulk Hogan wearing a MAGA bandana, alongside a map showing Iran’s borders reshaped into the outline of the president’s head, according to the New York Post.
Did you know?
Prior to targeting domestic states, the administration’s geographic renaming efforts included a brief suggestion to change the name of the Strait of Hormuz to the “Strait of Trump,” though the president later indicated on the same day that the idea was not meant to be taken seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did President Trump officially change the name of New Mexico?
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham rejected the idea immediately.
Where did the “New America” map originate?
According to USA Today, the image first surfaced on September 1 on a parody social media account named Daily Noud before spreading across platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
What other locations has the administration attempted to rename?
According to AFP and the New York Post, the administration has previously attempted or ordered changes to the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Ontario, and the Strait of Hormuz.
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