United States President Donald Trump has suggested changing the name of New Mexico to “New America,” sparking swift criticism from the state’s governor.
Trump made the proposal on Sunday in a post on social media, days after signing an order to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada.
“Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico… to NEW AMERICA,” Trump wrote. “So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!”
The White House also shared an image showing the word “Mexico” crossed out and replaced with “America.”
However, some US media reports said the proposal first emerged as an internet hoax before gaining attention online.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham quickly dismissed the suggestion, insisting the state’s name would not be changed.
She told Fox News that the name “isn’t up for debate — it’s been ours since before the United States existed.”
Grisham also accused Trump of trying to “distract Americans” from pressing national issues, including rising gas prices.
The proposal follows a series of similar naming ideas by Trump since returning to office in 2025.
Last week, he suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait” during the conflict involving Iran, although he later indicated he was not serious.
Earlier this year, Trump officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move rejected by Mexico.
Canada has also refused to recognise Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
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