President Trump posted on Truth Social Monday that New Mexico should “immediately” rename itself “New America,” arguing “we are not Mexico, we are the United States of America,” and adding that property values and incomes would rise. He cited no evidence for the claim. It’s the second time he’s floated the idea since September, and he’s also renamed Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico, a change Suncoast residents know up close.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham answered on social media, calling it a “tired New American bit” and asking, “what policy failure is Trump trying to distract Americans from this time?” She also noted that New Mexico’s name dates back to the 16th century, predating the United States by centuries, and pointed to state accomplishments including no-cost universal childcare and full replacement of health care subsidies she says were gutted in Washington.
Naming fights are usually about something else entirely, and this one has plenty of people on the Suncoast wondering what’s underneath it. Is it branding, history, or deflection? And with the Gulf already relabeled, how far does this go? Where do you land on renaming places, and who should get the final word? Join the conversation on air or in the comments. What would you rename, and why?
