President Donald Trump has renewed his call for the state of New Mexico to change its name to “New America,” arguing that the proposed name would better reflect its identity as part of the United States.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, October 19, Trump said New Mexico should immediately adopt the new name.
“We are not Mexico, we are the United States of America!” Trump declared, adding that the change would bring greater value and prestige to the state.
Not His First Proposal
The president previously suggested renaming New Mexico in September, following his administration’s efforts to change the names of prominent geographic locations.
Trump has already promoted the name “Gulf of America” for the Gulf of Mexico and “Lake America” for Lake Ontario.
He has also publicly floated the idea of renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.
The proposals have generated political debate over national identity, historical names, and presidential authority.
Can Trump Rename a State?
Unlike certain federal geographic designations, a state’s official name cannot be changed simply through a presidential announcement or executive order.
Renaming New Mexico would require a formal legal process involving state authorities and Congress.
The proposal has already faced opposition from New Mexico officials, who have defended the state’s historical and cultural identity.
A Name With Centuries of History
The name New Mexico dates back centuries, long before the territory became part of the United States.
The region was incorporated into the United States in the nineteenth century, and New Mexico officially became the nation’s 47th state in 1912.
Its name reflects a long history shaped by Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonization, and Mexican governance.
For now, New Mexico remains New Mexico. Trump’s latest statement is a renewed proposal, not an official name change.
Sources: The Washington Post, October 19 | Fox News | The Independent
By NJ RADAR Team