President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the state of New Mexico “New America,” the latest in a string of name-change proposals targeting geographic landmarks.
Posting on social media Sunday, Trump said “many people” had suggested the change, calling it “much more prestigious and beautiful” for the state. The White House shared an image striking out “Mexico” from the state’s name and replacing it with “America.”
Some US media outlets reported the idea began as an internet hoax before being picked up by the president.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the proposal, telling Fox News the state’s name predates the founding of the United States and “isn’t up for debate.” She accused Trump of trying to distract the public from issues like rising gas prices.
The proposal follows Trump’s order last week renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America” amid trade tensions with Canada, a move Canadian officials have also rejected.
He previously suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait” during the conflict with Iran, before appearing to walk the idea back hours later. In January 2025, on his first day back in office, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” a change Mexico rejected.
