Mexico’s fiery new president, Claudia Sheinbaumhas delivered a bold response to Donald Trump’s latest geopolitical jab, sparking a war of words that has captivated the world. Armed with a 400-year-old map, Sheinbaum didn’t hold back in calling out Trump’s suggestion to rename the gulf of mexico the “Gulf of America.”
At a press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum unveiled a massive 1607 map of North America that labeled the continent as “América Mexicana” (Mexican America). Smiling wryly, she quipped, “Why don’t we call it Mexican AmericaIt sounds pretty, no?”
Trump’s controversial proposal
The former US president, fresh off his re-election, has reignited tensions with Mexico by proposing the Gulf of Mexico be renamed to reflect “American” dominance. “The Gulf of America, what a beautiful name,” Trump declared Tuesday, doubling down on his criticism that Mexico is “essentially run by the cartels.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene quickly backed Trump, vowing to introduce legislation to make the name change official. “ASAP,” she promised, as MAGA allies rallied behind the idea.
Sheinbaum fires back
Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president and a leftist scientist, didn’t mince words. “They misinformed him,” she said with measured politeness, before taking a more pointed tone. “In Mexico, the people rule. And we are going to collaborate and understand each other with the government of President Trump, defending our sovereignty as a free, independent, and sovereign country.”
Her remarks, delivered with calm determination, resonated online, with clips of her speech quickly going viral.
Trade wars and tariff threats
The tensions between Sheinbaum and Trump aren’t limited to maps and cartels. Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on Mexican imports, a measure Sheinbaum vowed to counter with matching tariffs. She’s also taken a firm but strategic stance on immigration, signaling that Mexico may limit acceptance of deported immigrants to certain nationalities while requesting compensation from the US.
A historic feud in the making
While Sheinbaum’s suggestion to rename North America “Mexican America” was likely tongue-in-cheek, it underscores the growing animosity between the two leaders. The map she presented is a reminder of Mexico’s historical and cultural roots—an elegant rebuttal to Trump’s territorial ambitions.
As the two leaders dig in for what promises to be a volatile relationship, one thing is clear: Sheinbaum isn’t afraid to stand her ground. Whether it’s tariffs, maps, or sovereignty, she’s ready to defend Mexico with humor, history, and resolve.
