US President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the state of New Mexico “New America”, a proposal that has been swiftly rejected by the state’s governor.
Trump made the suggestion on Sunday in a social media post, claiming that several people had proposed changing the state’s name.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote, describing the proposed name as “more prestigious and beautiful” for the state.
The White House later reposted an image of New Mexico with the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America”.
US media reports, however, said the suggestion originated as an internet hoax before being amplified by Trump.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the proposal, saying the state’s name was not open for debate.
“The name isn’t up for debate it’s been ours since before the United States existed,” she said.
Lujan Grisham also accused Trump of attempting to distract Americans from pressing issues, including rising fuel prices.
Trump’s latest proposal follows a series of controversial attempts to rename geographical landmarks.
Last week, he floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, although he later appeared to downplay the suggestion.
In 2025, shortly after returning to the White House, Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America”, a move rejected by Mexico.
His administration has also promoted the name “Lake America” for Lake Ontario, another proposal rejected by Canada.
