President Trump Proposes Renaming New Mexico to New America

President Donald Trump posted a map on his Truth Social account on September 6, 2026, renaming the state of New Mexico to New America. The post, part of over 30 made in less than an hour, displayed a map of the southwestern state with the word "Mexico" crossed out and replaced with "America," according to the New York Post. This proposed rebranding follows Trump's earlier actions to incorporate "America" into official names; shortly after taking office in January 2025, he renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, citing a desire to honor American greatness. Last month, he signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America amid rising tensions between the United States and Canada following stalled trade talks. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump shared an AI-generated video also renaming the state, stating, "Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico, one of the great vote cheating states of all time, to NEW AMERICA. So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP." New Mexico Democrats responded critically to Trump's posts. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated on X, "New Mexico’s name isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed. While the President tries to distract Americans from his disastrous war in Iran, the price of gas — and everything else — keeps rising. Under Democratic leadership here in New Mexico, we’re providing families with free childcare and college, protecting access to health care and investing in housing. While the White House wastes time coloring on maps, Nuevo México is busy doing the work." Deb Haaland, the former Biden Interior Secretary and current gubernatorial candidate, also expressed her disapproval on X, saying, "You can’t be serious. New Mexico is not for renaming. Not up for sale. My promise: I’ll always stand up for what makes New Mexico, New Mexico." New Mexico became a state in the U.S. in 1912, and Republicans have not won the state in a presidential election since George W. Bush defeated John Kerry by fewer than 6,000 votes in 2004.