In an image posted by Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, the word “Mexico” in the name of the U.S. state of New Mexico was crossed out and replaced with “America.”
Trump made no official statement explaining the image. It therefore remained unclear whether the post was merely a rhetorical message or reflected an administration plan to change the state’s name.
Trump’s previous renaming efforts
In an executive order signed on January 20, 2025, Trump called for the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America.” The move drew a reaction from Mexico.
As trade tensions with Canada intensified, Trump also signed another executive order on August 27 renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America.”
New Mexico’s historical background
New Mexico became part of U.S. territory in the mid-19th century following the Mexican-American War. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the region was ceded to the United States along with California in 1848.
Local officials in New Mexico did not immediately respond to Trump’s post. The White House also did not immediately respond to questions on the matter.