U.S. President Donald Trump signed a decree aboard Air Force One designating February 9 as “American Gulf Day.” This announcement follows his January 20 executive order initiating the process of renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “American Gulf” within U.S. territory.

During his flight to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, Trump held an impromptu press conference aboard Air Force One, unveiling a large map featuring the new designation. “Today, I make my first visit to the American Gulf since its name change. As my administration restores American pride in our nation’s history of greatness, it is fitting that we commemorate this momentous occasion,” Trump stated.

According to the decree, the new name applies to the U.S. Continental Shelf, bordered to the northeast, north, and northwest by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the maritime boundary with Mexico and Cuba. However, this renaming holds no validity outside the United States, and the region continues to be known globally as the Gulf of Mexico.

Trump’s Justification for the ‘American Gulf Day’

Trump defended the decision by stating that “the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our nation. It has thrived in the past and remains an undeniable part of America.“

By proclaiming February 9 as American Gulf Day, Trump called on public officials and U.S. citizens to observe the date with “appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions. While some Republican supporters view it as a reaffirmation of national pride, critics and analysts see it as a largely symbolic political move with limited real-world impact.