New Mexico’s congressional delegation has asked Apple and Google not to rename the state “New America” on their mapping services. The request follows social media posts from President Donald Trump promoting the proposed name.
Trump shared several maps showing New Mexico labeled “New America.” However, no executive order or formal plan to change the state’s legal name had emerged when the request was made. Reuters separately confirmed that Trump promoted the idea through social media posts.
Lawmakers Turn to Apple and Google
New Mexico’s five Democratic congressional representatives asked the technology companies to keep “New Mexico” on their maps if the administration pursues another geographic name change. The Washington Post confirmed that the delegation sent its request on September 10.
Their concern follows earlier changes involving the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario. Apple Maps reflected those federal naming changes after updates reached the Geographic Names Information System, or GNIS.
However, a state presents a different legal issue. The president does not have unilateral authority to officially rename New Mexico. The Washington Post reported that such a change would likely require action involving the state and Congress.
Apple Maps Relies on Federal Geographic Data
The dispute also highlights how mapping companies handle official place names. The document explains that GNIS is a federal database used by Apple and Google for geographic naming information.
Therefore, Apple does not independently decide the official names of states or geographic features. The source notes that companies can raise formal objections, but federal naming databases still influence what appears on their services.
No Official New Mexico Name Change Yet
For now, “New America” remains a proposal promoted through presidential social media posts rather than an official state name.
The controversy has nevertheless drawn wider opposition within New Mexico. Reuters reported criticism from residents and state figures who view the existing name as an important part of the region’s long cultural history.
As a result, the debate now extends beyond digital maps. It raises broader questions about legal authority, geographic naming and how technology companies respond when political directives affect the information displayed to millions of users.
