United States President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the state of New Mexico “New America”, drawing a swift rejection from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Trump made the proposal on Sunday in a social media post, claiming he had received suggestions to change the state’s name.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” the Republican president wrote.
“So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House later reinforced the proposal by reposting an image of the state’s name, with “Mexico” crossed out and replaced by “America”.
New Mexico’s governor, however, dismissed the suggestion, arguing that the state’s name has a history that predates the United States.
“The name isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed,” she said.
Lujan Grisham also accused Trump of seeking to divert public attention from more immediate concerns, including rising petrol prices.
US media reports said the suggestion began as an internet hoax before being amplified by Trump.
The proposal is the latest in a series of name-change ideas associated with Trump’s administration involving prominent geographical features.
Last week, Trump suggested calling the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” amid the ongoing war with Iran, though he later appeared to indicate that he was not being serious about the proposal.
Trump also ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America” in 2025, shortly after returning to the White House. Mexico rejected the change.
His administration has further promoted the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario, a proposal that was also rejected by Canada.
(AFP)