US President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the state of New Mexico to “New America”, in the latest of his series of proposed changes to geographic names.
Mr Trump made the suggestion on Sunday in a post on his social media platform, saying the proposed name would be “more prestigious and beautiful” for the state.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote. “So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House also reposted an image showing the word “Mexico” crossed out on a New Mexico sign and replaced with “America.”
Governor rejects idea
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham immediately rejected the proposal, insisting that the state’s name was not open for debate.
Mrs Grisham said the name “isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed.”
She also accused Mr Trump of attempting to distract Americans from pressing issues, including rising petrol prices.
Another name-change push
The proposal comes days after Mr Trump signed an order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for the purposes of the US federal government, amid continuing trade tensions with Canada. Canada has rejected the name change.
Mr Trump has also previously renamed the Gulf of Mexico “Gulf of America” through a US executive order after returning to office in 2025, a move rejected by Mexico.
Last week, he also floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait” amid the ongoing war with Iran, although he later appeared to suggest that proposal was not serious.
‘New Mexico’ remains
There is currently no formal action announced to change New Mexico’s name. Unlike the federal geographic-name changes concerning bodies of water, renaming a US state would involve a much more substantial legal and political process.
Some US media reports also indicated that the “New America” suggestion may have originated as an internet hoax before being amplified by Mr Trump.
For now, the state remains New Mexico, with its governor and Democratic lawmakers firmly defending the historic name.
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