A mockery or a political statement? Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s president, set social networks ablaze by sharing a historical map showing part of the U.S. territory as Mexican.
His message, considered by many as a mockery of Donald Trump, did not take long to generate reactions.
What map are we talking about?
In January 2025, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum wittily responded to statements by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” During her morning conference on January 8, Sheinbaum presented a historical map from 1607 that labeled North America as “Mexican America” and already identified the gulf with its current name, 169 years before the founding of the United States.
With a smile, he suggested, “Why don’t we call it América Mexicana? It sounds nice, doesn’t it? This sarcastic response underscored the antiquity and legitimacy of the name “Gulf of Mexico,” used for centuries and recognized internationally.
Sheinbaum emphasized that the name is deeply rooted in Mexican history and culture, and that any attempt to change it would be inappropriate.
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Why does this matter to U.S. Hispanics?
Trump’s proposal generated criticism and debate in both Mexico and the United States. In response, the Mexican president instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a letter to Google, requesting that it keep the name “Gulf of Mexico” in its Maps application, stressing that a country cannot unilaterally change names of international waters.
The firmness and humor in Sheinbaum’s response was praised by international media. The New York Times recognized his temperance in dealing with Trump’s explosive temper, noting his ability to handle complex diplomatic situations with calm and determination.
Some political analysts, such as University of California professor Kevin Johnson, warned that the use of historical symbols can polarize rather than unite.
Aunque el mapa es una pieza histórica, su uso en un contexto político actual puede ser percibido como provocador
Kevin Johnson, analista político
Reactions to Claudia Sheinbaum on social networks
As expected, the reactions on social media were immediate. On platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, thousands of U.S. Hispanic users applauded Sheinbaum’s gesture, seeing it as an act of historical vindication. Others, however, considered it unnecessary and provocative, especially at a time of high political tension between the two countries.
One user wrote: “Sheinbaum just said what many of us think: our history cannot be ignored”. On the other hand, some commented that this type of messages could be used by Trump to fuel his discourse against Mexico.
What does this mean for the future?
For the Hispanic community in the United States, attention to their historical and current contributions could translate into greater political and social participation.
What is clear is that Sheinbaum achieved what few politicians manage to do: capture international attention and bring to the table a historical and cultural debate that resonates deeply in the Latino community.
Find out more at ‘QueOnnda.com’.
