So, could the Gulf of Mexico get a new name? Changing the name to the Gulf of America -- something new President Donald Trump has talked up numerous times -- would be a complex process involving multiple steps and stakeholders.
Here's a general outline of how it could be done:
1. Proposal Submission: An individual or group would need to submit a formal proposal to rename the Gulf. This could be done through a petition or by contacting relevant authorities.
2. Support from Government Officials: The proposal would need support from government officials, such as members of Congress or the President. For example, a bill could be introduced in Congress to initiate the renaming process.
3. Review by the Board on Geographic Names (BGN): The proposal would be reviewed by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which is responsible for standardizing geographic names. The BGN would evaluate the proposal and determine if there is a compelling reason for the name change.
4. Public Input: There would likely be a period for public input and feedback on the proposed name change. This could include public hearings, comments, and consultations with stakeholders.
5. **Approval and Implementation:** If the proposal is approved by the BGN and supported by relevant government officials, the name change would be officially implemented. This could involve updating maps, official documents, and other references to the Gulf.
It's important to note that while the U.S. government can change the name for its own use, other countries and international bodies may not be required to recognize the new name. Achieving broader international consensus would be necessary for the name change to be universally accepted.