Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced the introduction of legislation to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. She cited concerns over cartel smuggling and illegal fishing operations in the region as her motivation for this proposal. The statement was made in a January 7 post on X.
"Mexican cartels currently use the Gulf of Mexico to traffic humans, drugs, weapons, and God knows what else while the Mexican government allows them to do it," said U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. Rep. from Georgia. "The American people are footing the bill to protect and secure the maritime waterways for commerce to be conducted. Our U.S. armed forces protect the area from any military threats from foreign countries. The rightful name is the Gulf of America and it's what the entire world should refer to it as."
According to CBS News, President-elect Trump announced on January 7 his intention to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, describing it as "appropriate." This announcement led Greene to draft her own legislation.
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CBS News also reported that the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Mexican Gulf Cartel for engaging in illegal fishing activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The cartel targets red snapper and certain shark species, which are sold and resold in the United States, generating significant profits while American fishermen must adhere to seasonal fishing laws.
The U.S. Treasury said that the cartel’s fishing boats, known as lanchas, are used not only for illegal fishing but also for smuggling activities. Bradley T. Smith, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said these lanchas are involved in "narcotics trafficking and human smuggling." One sanctioned cartel member, Ismael Guerra Salinas, is known for hiding individuals on his boat and transporting them across the Rio Grande.
Greene urged her fellow Congress members to support her legislation, stating, "It’s our gulf," according to a press release. The bill has garnered support from 14 co-sponsors: Rep. Mary Miller (IL), Rep. Barry Moore (AL), Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY), Rep. Mike Collins (GA), Rep. Randy Weber (TX), Rep. Andy Ogles (TN), Rep. Mike Lawler (NY), Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL), Rep. Greg Steube (FL), Rep. Eric Burlison (MO), Rep. Brian Babin (TX), Rep. Michael Rulli (OH), Rep. Troy Nehls (TX), and Rep. Brandon Gill (TX).
Marjorie Taylor Greene serves as the U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 14th District.
