US President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the state of New Mexico as “New America”. The proposal quickly faced rejection from the state’s governor.
Trump made the suggestion on Sunday as part of his recent push to rename prominent geographical locations. The proposal would change New Mexico’s name to “New America”.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico … to NEW AMERICA,” the Republican president posted on social media.
“So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House later reposted an image showing “Mexico” crossed out from the state’s name. The image replaced it with “America”.
Some US media reports said the proposal began as an internet hoax. However, Trump publicly promoted the idea on social media.
New Mexico governor rejects proposal
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham quickly dismissed the suggestion. She said the state’s name was not open for discussion.
The governor argued that New Mexico has had its name since before the United States existed.
She said the president was attempting to “distract Americans” from other pressing issues. Those issues include soaring gas prices, according to the governor.
The response highlights the immediate opposition to Trump’s latest naming proposal. Meanwhile, the president has recently suggested several other geographical name changes.
Trump’s recent push for name changes
Trump last week suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait”. The proposal came as the war with Iran continued.
However, Trump later appeared to step back from the suggestion. Hours after making the proposal, he indicated that he was not serious about the plan.
His latest suggestion involving New Mexico follows other controversial geographical renaming efforts. These proposals have also involved locations outside the United States.
Gulf of Mexico renamed Gulf of America
Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” on his first day back in the White House in 2025.
Mexico rejected the move. The renaming also became part of wider disagreements between Washington and Mexico.
Trump has continued using the new name despite opposition from Mexico. The latest New Mexico proposal now adds another domestic location to his naming campaign.
Canada rejects Lake Ontario name change
Canada has also rejected Trump’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario.
Trump recently signed an order to rename the lake as “Lake America”. The move came amid a trade dispute with neighbouring Canada.
The proposal has therefore generated another disagreement over geographical naming. Meanwhile, Trump’s suggestion for New Mexico has created a similar reaction within the United States.
The president’s latest proposal would change the state’s established name to “New America”. However, Governor Lujan Grisham has made clear that she does not support the idea.
For now, New Mexico remains New Mexico. The governor’s rejection has also added another challenge to Trump’s growing campaign to change geographical names.
