Trump suggests renaming New Mexico “New America”

Donald Trump has suggested renaming New Mexico “New America,” a proposal the state’s governor rejected immediately and described as an attempt to divert public attention from rising gasoline prices.

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Many people have suggested changing the name of New Mexico (...) to NEW AMERICA.

“Many people have suggested changing the name of New Mexico (...) to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote on his Truth network. He called the proposed name more prestigious and beautiful for the state’s residents, adding that New Mexico had “incredible potential.” The White House reposted an image from Trump’s Truth Social account showing the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America.”

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told Fox News that the name “is not up for debate; it has been ours since long before the creation of the United States.” She said the president was trying to “distract Americans” from problems including the surge in gasoline prices.

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It is not up for debate; it has been ours since long before the creation of the United States.

The proposal came days after Trump signed an order seeking to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America.” Canada rejected that initiative. Trump has also proposed renaming the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” and unilaterally renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” in January 2025, a decision Mexico contested.

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distract Americans

The article says US observers and critics see Trump’s focus on names as an effort to divert attention. It links the controversy to his low approval rating and Republican concerns about a severe defeat in November elections that will determine control of Congress. Far-right influencer Matt Walsh called the proposal a “gift” to the left, arguing that Republicans would have to answer claims that their priorities were misplaced.

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gift