Trump Shares Map Renaming New Mexico as ‘New America,’ Days After ‘Trump Strait’ and ‘Lake America’ Uproar

Donald Trump’s latest social media post has sparked widespread criticism after he proposed renaming New Mexico as “New America.” This move is just the latest in a series of name changes initiated by the President, which have been met with disapproval from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

The renaming of Lake Ontario as “Lake America” was widely seen as a hollow victory, as it only applied to federal references on Google Maps and Apple Maps. Similarly, Trump’s Executive Order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” in 2022 had little impact beyond changing how US users viewed the body of water.

Trump’s history of renaming things after America or himself is not new. He signed an Executive Order in 2022 to rename the Gulf of Mexico, and his attempt to add his surname to Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center sparked controversy that led to its board voting to reinstate the original name.

These actions are not just about ego; they’re also a tool of manipulation. By renaming things after himself or America, Trump is attempting to exert control over public perception and redefine reality according to his own whims. This behavior is a power struggle, plain and simple – one that he hopes will distract from his policy failures and cement his legacy in the minds of Americans.

The consequences of this kind of behavior are troubling. As we watch Trump attempt to rebrand everything from Lake Ontario to New Mexico, we’re also seeing a disturbing trend towards authoritarianism. By unilaterally changing names and references without consulting experts or considering public opinion, Trump is undermining the very fabric of our democracy.

This isn’t the first time an American President has tried to leave their mark on the country’s geography. Thomas Jefferson, for instance, renamed the Ohio River as “River Mississippi” in 1803 – a decision that was met with both praise and criticism at the time. However, Trump’s motivations are different; his name changes are not driven by a desire to honor the nation or its people but rather to feed his own ego.

As we navigate this strange new world where everything from landmarks to institutions is subject to renaming, it’s essential to remember that these actions have real-world consequences. By eroding public trust and undermining democratic norms, Trump is creating a culture of fear and obedience – one that will be difficult to undo once he leaves office.

One thing is certain: as long as Trump remains in power, we can expect a continued barrage of name changes designed to consolidate his authority and redefine reality according to his own twisted vision. But it’s not too late to push back against this trend; by speaking out against these petty power struggles and demanding accountability from our elected officials, we can reclaim our democracy – and our country’s identity.