DeSantis follows Trump’s lead renaming Gulf of Mexico


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In a notable development on Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) issued an Executive Order utilizing the term “Gulf of America,” following President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech where he reaffirmed his commitment to rename the Gulf of Mexico.

The executive order, numbered EO 25-13, addressed an approaching weather system. Its opening statement notably employed the term “Gulf of America” stating: “WHEREAS, an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America, interacting with Arctic air, will bring widespread impactful winter weather to North Florida beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2025…”

DeSantis proceeded to declare a state of emergency in Florida, citing conditions that were anticipated to result in a major disaster.

The order further elaborated: “I designate the Director of the Division of Emergency Management (“Director”) as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency and direct him to execute the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency. Pursuant to section 252.36(1)(a), Florida Statutes, I delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the authority to exercise those powers delineated in sections 252.36(6)-(12), Florida Statutes, which he shall exercise as needed to meet this emergency, subject to the limitations of section 252.33, Florida Statutes. In exercising the powers delegated by this Executive Order, the State Coordinating Officer shall confer with the Governor to the fullest extent practicable.”

During his inaugural address, Trump reinforced his plans for the name change. “My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier. That’s what I want to be, a peacemaker and a unifier. I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families,” Trump declared, adding that “America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world.”

Trump then announced, “A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”

This statement prompted Hillary Clinton, who had previously lost to Trump in a presidential election, to laugh in response.