Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton couldn’t contain her amusement when President Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” during his inaugural address on Monday.
Trump made the declaration in his speech inside the Capitol, vowing bold changes to reclaim American prominence. “America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on earth, inspiring the awe, and admiration of the entire world,” Trump said.
“A short time from now, we will be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and we will be restoring the name of a great president, William McKinley, to Mount McKinley, where it should be and where it belongs.” Clinton, seated among other former leaders and dignitaries, was seen giggling quietly to herself, her eyes lowered, as the remark went largely unnoticed by those around her.
CBS News noted that the name change was not a new idea for Trump. “During the transition, Mr. Trump had vowed to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America,” the outlet reported. Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene even pledged to draft legislation to formalize the renaming of federal maps and administrative policies.
However, the move would only apply to U.S. references, as other nations, including Mexico, would not be obligated to adopt the change. The U.S. State Department confirms that the Gulf of Mexico is officially shared between the U.S. and Mexico, with maritime jurisdiction divided at the mouth of the Rio Grande. Trump’s proposed name change would not alter this international agreement.
Earlier in the day, tensions flared as Trump supporters gathered at the Capital One Arena loudly booed and chanted “Lock her up!” when Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, took their seats at the Capitol. The chant, a hallmark of Trump’s 2016 campaign, resurfaced as a rallying cry among his supporters.
Trump’s pledge to rename the Gulf and other symbolic changes reflects his emphasis on nationalist policies and gestures during his second term. Meanwhile, Clinton’s quiet laughter at the announcement underscores the enduring tension between the two political figures and the polarized atmosphere that continues to dominate U.S. politics.