Associated Press Declines to Adopt 'Gulf of America' Naming Change


Associated Press Declines to Adopt 'Gulf of America' Naming Change

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Associated Press (AP) announced it will not adopt the name "Gulf of America" despite a recent executive order by US President Donald Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump’s executive order, signed earlier this week, renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America within US borders.

However, the move has no binding authority on Mexico or other international entities, which continue to recognize the historical name.

The Gulf has been known as the Gulf of Mexico for over four centuries.

The AP clarified it will continue using the original name while acknowledging Trump’s choice. “As a global news agency, we prioritize names that are easily recognizable to audiences worldwide,” the AP stated in a release.

The organization regularly reviews its naming guidance to ensure it aligns with common usage and public understanding.

Similar cases of dual naming exist in its style guide, such as the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez, reflecting diverse usage in different regions.

By maintaining its use of "Gulf of Mexico," the AP upholds its commitment to geographical clarity and consistency for international audiences, despite US-specific changes introduced by the president, it said.

Regarding Trump’s executive order to restore Mount McKinley as the name of North America’s tallest peak, the AP affirmed it will adopt the change in line with federal designations.

The peak’s name had been updated to Denali in 2015 under former President Barack Obama to honor Alaska Native traditions and local preferences.

Trump justified the reversal by highlighting the historical significance of William McKinley, a 25th US president.

While the AP respects official decisions for places solely under US jurisdiction, such as Mount McKinley, it maintained that name recognition and international understanding remain pivotal in its style guidance, it said.

Most Visited in World
Top World stories
Top Stories