Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has fired back at U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, escalating a war of words over trade, immigration, and Trump’s recent suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum responded to Trump’s controversial remarks by unveiling a 1607 map of North America, which labeled the continent as América Mexicana (“Mexican America”). Smiling, Sheinbaum quipped, “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?”
The exchange highlights rising tensions between Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president, and Trump, who returned to the White House after his re-election last year.
Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico came alongside harsh criticism of Mexico, claiming the country is “essentially run by cartels.” In response, Sheinbaum dismissed the remark as misinformed and emphasized that “in Mexico, the people rule.”
Sheinbaum, a scientist and leftist leader, pledged to maintain a collaborative relationship with the Trump administration while firmly defending Mexico’s sovereignty. “We are going to collaborate and understand each other with the government of President Trump—defending our sovereignty as a free, independent, and sovereign country,” she said.
The strained relationship between the two leaders intensified after Trump proposed a 25% tariff on Mexican imports. Sheinbaum vowed to retaliate with equivalent tariffs if the measure is implemented.
Trump also reignited debates over immigration by announcing plans to deport undocumented migrants to Mexico, regardless of their nationality. While Sheinbaum initially resisted, she has since indicated that Mexico may accept deportees but reserves the right to limit certain nationalities and potentially request compensation.
Sheinbaum’s lighthearted suggestion of renaming North America as “Mexican America” has garnered attention online, but Trump’s idea to rename the Gulf of Mexico is gaining traction among his supporters.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce legislation to rename the Gulf “ASAP,” with reports of significant interest from lawmakers eager to co-sponsor the bill.
“The Gulf of America—what a beautiful name,” Trump said during his announcement.
While both leaders have expressed a willingness to collaborate, their ongoing rhetoric underscores the challenges ahead for U.S.-Mexico relations. As trade, immigration, and national sovereignty remain key points of contention, the relationship between Sheinbaum and Trump will be critical in shaping the region’s future.