WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump wants New Mexico renamed “New America,” saying the proposed name would be more “prestigious and beautiful” for the state, in the latest example of his push to give American names to geographical locations.
Trump floated the idea on Sunday in a social media post, saying that “many people” had suggested changing the southwestern state’s name.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote, adding that the proposed name was “so much more prestigious and beautiful”.
The White House subsequently reposted an image in which “Mexico” in the state’s name was crossed out and replaced with “America”.
Some US media reports suggested that the proposal may have originated as an internet hoax before being amplified by Trump.
Why Trump Wants ‘New America’
Trump did not outline any formal process for changing the state’s name, instead framing his proposal around national identity and his preference for the word “America”.
The suggestion follows several other attempts by Trump to rename prominent geographical locations since returning to the White House.
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On his first day back in office in 2025, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”, a decision rejected by Mexico.
Days before his New Mexico remarks, Trump signed an order seeking to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” amid a trade dispute with neighbouring Canada. Canadian authorities rejected the move.
Trump also recently suggested calling the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” amid the continuing conflict with Iran, although he later indicated that he might not have been serious.
New Mexico Governor Rejects Proposal
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham swiftly rejected the latest suggestion.
The state’s name “isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed,” she told Fox News.
Grisham accused Trump of attempting to distract Americans from domestic concerns, including high fuel prices.
There is currently no indication that the administration has begun a formal effort to change New Mexico’s name.
