Florida governor references ‘Gulf of America’ while declaring emergency for winter weather

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Gray News) – Hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis referred to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” while declaring a state of emergency.

“Whereas, an area of low pressure moving across the Gulf of America, interacting with Arctic air, will bring widespread impactful winter weather to North Florida beginning Tuesday, January 21, 2025,” the executive order read.

DeSantis’ reference to the “Gulf of America” comes after Trump reiterated his intent to rename the Gulf of Mexico during Monday’s inaugural remarks.

“A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America,’” Trump said.

The president said on his first day back in the White House that he will soon be signing the order to change the name of the body of water.