President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico Responds to Donald Trump’s “Gulf of America” Proposal by Endorsing “Mexican America”

In response to President-elect Donald Trump’s recent proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo did not waste any time. Sheinbaum appeared in front of a historical map from 1607 that designated the majority of North America as “Mexican America” during a press conference on Wednesday.

Sheinbaum grinned and pointed to the map, saying, “How about we call it Mexican America? Doesn’t it sound lovely? Her incisive comment was a humorous yet forceful critique of Trump’s controversial proposition.

“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory,” Trump declared at a recent event. He failed to mention that the name of the Gulf of Mexico predates the founding of the United States.

“With all due respect, in Mexico, the people rule,” Sheinbaum said firmly in response to Trump’s remark that the country is “essentially run by the cartels.” She underlined that Mexico’s sovereignty as a “free, independent, and sovereign country” would be upheld by her administration.

Noting that 75% of firearms captured in Mexico are trafficked from the United States, the Mexican president also drew attention to the problem of American firearms being smuggled into the country. “We are committed to preventing the importation of firearms from the United States into Mexico,” she stated.

Tensions between the two countries have increased as a result of Trump’s comments against Mexico, particularly his claim that the nation must cease “allowing millions of people to pour into our country.” His past confrontations with Mexican leaders and vows to increase tariffs are only two examples of his history of making divisive remarks about Mexico.

Despite Trump’s aggressive comments, Sheinbaum remained calm and stated that she intends to have “good relations” with him.

Trump and Mexican officials’ previous disagreements are seen in this encounter. When Trump insisted that Mexico pay for a border wall in 2016, former Mexican President Vicente Fox famously retorted, “I’m not going to pay for that [expletive] wall.” He ought to cover the cost. He has the funds.