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US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after proposing that the state of New Mexico be renamed “New America”, a suggestion immediately rejected by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Trump made the proposal on Sunday in a social media post, saying he had received suggestions that the state should adopt a new name.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” the American president wrote. “So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House later amplified the proposal by reposting an image of New Mexico with “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America”.
US media reports said the idea originated as an internet hoax before being picked up and promoted by Trump.
Lujan Grisham swiftly rejected the proposal, telling Fox News that the state’s name was not open to negotiation.
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“The name isn’t up for debate it’s been ours since before the United States existed,” she said.
The governor also accused Trump of using the renaming proposal to divert attention from pressing issues facing Americans, including rising petrol prices.
Trump’s proposal is the latest in a series of attempts by his administration to promote new names for prominent geographical features.
Last week, he suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz the “Trump Strait” amid the ongoing war with Iran, although he later appeared to indicate that the proposal was not serious.
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 use of “Lake America” for Lake Ontario, another proposal opposed by Canada.
