Google Maps to make major update to its app in 2025

Google has decided to update its maps following President Donald Trump’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. The change will soon be visible on Google Maps.

In a post on X, the American multinational corporation and technology company stated that it follows a longstanding policy of updating names based on official government records. The change will take effect once the Geographic Names Information System is updated.

Google has also planned to rename Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in the United States, back from Denali. Former President Barack Obama had changed the name to Denali in 2015 to honour the people native to the area.

Trump signed an executive order last week, stating the changes need to "honour American greatness."

"It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes," the executive order said.

The order criticised Obama, calling it disrespectful and "an affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice."

It also compared McKinley to Trump, saying he backed tariffs and was attacked for representing America’s values and success.

Recognizing the Gulf of Mexico’s role in the U.S. economy, the President has ordered it to be officially renamed the Gulf of America. 

Google shared that only U.S. citizens will be able to see the changes.