Trump’s plans to rename the gulf appear to be part of a broader offensive against Mexico, calling the nation "very dangerous" and "in a lot of trouble," citing drug trafficking and illegal immigration. However, most drug trafficking from Mexico is aimed at fulfilling consumer demand from Americans.

During his inauguration speech Monday, President Donald Trump repeated his promise to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. "A short time from now we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America," Trump said, during a description of his plans for his first actions as the 47th president.