Wednesday January 22, 2025
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday January 22, 2025
United States of Trump Renames
States | States | States | States |
---|---|---|---|
Alabaron | Arkangaetz | Connectivankacut | Delaputinware |
AlasKushner | Califomaga | Floridesanctimonius | Georgesantosia |
Baronzona | Trumporado | Hawaguilianii | Idadonjuniorho |
Illdonjuniorois | Putindiana | Eloniowa | IllinoJFKjr |
Kimjonguncky | louistrumpia | Melaniaine | Magaland |
Magachusetts | Magagan | Hesgethsota | Mississtiffany |
Misseric | Montrumpa | Magaska | Nevladia |
New HampRamaswamyshire | New Trumpsey | New Trumpico | Kushneryork |
North Magalina | North Damaga | Ohirubio | Trumplahoma |
OreQUanon | Elonsylvania | Rhode Elonsland | South Kashpatelina |
South Damaga | Trumpessee | Texmagas | Trumpah |
Vermaga | Melaniaia | Washingtrump | Trumpington D.C. |
West Virginiorban | Wistrumpskin | Wyomagaing |
Symbolic Theatre in a World of Urgent Realities
In a world grappling with profound challenges, from economic crises to geopolitical tensions, President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” stands out as an emblematic gesture of political theatre. This proposal, highlighted in his inaugural address, has sparked debate and laughter, illustrating the peculiar priorities that have become synonymous with Trump’s political style.
The proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water with a deep-rooted historical identity, is seen by many as trivial and unilateral. The name “Gulf of Mexico” has been entrenched in international law and history since the 17th century. Changing it would involve not just domestic procedures but complex international negotiations, particularly with Mexico and Cuba, who share the Gulf’s waters.
News: Can Trump change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’?
Governor Ron DeSantis’s swift adoption of the term “Gulf of America” in a Florida state weather advisory reflects the political alignment with Trump’s agenda. However, this action underscores the symbolic nature of the proposal. While the U.S. could update federal documents to reflect the new name, the change would not be recognized internationally without consensus from other nations and organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization.
Recalling Trump’s bellicose gestures, such as his declaration that “all hell would break loose” if hostages held by Hamas weren’t released on his first day in office, rings hollow. These statements serve as a foretelling of how serious people should trust his other slogans and pledges that sound great but often fall flat. Despite his rhetoric, hell has not broken out, and his tone has shifted to a more aloof stance, expressing doubt about the ceasefire’s durability and distancing himself by stating, “it’s not our war, it’s their war.”
News: Florida is first to use ‘Gulf of America’ in official weather advisory
The renaming proposal serves as a reminder of Trump’s penchant for bold gestures that capture public attention but often lack substantive impact. It diverts focus from pressing issues such as the cost of living crisis, global security threats, and ongoing conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the turmoil in the Middle East. These are the challenges that demand coordinated international efforts and thoughtful policy solutions, yet they received scant attention in Trump’s inaugural address.
In stark contrast to the serious and complex nature of these global issues, the renaming proposal is perceived by many as a return to the strange priorities of Trump’s previous administration. It highlights a preference for symbolic actions that resonate with a certain segment of the political base but do little to address the root causes of the world’s most pressing problems.
Video: Hillary Clinton laughs as Donald Trump says he’ll rename Gulf of Mexico
Ultimately, the debate over renaming the Gulf of Mexico serves as a microcosm of larger political dynamics. It illustrates how symbolic gestures can generate significant media coverage and public debate, yet fall short of meaningful change. As the world faces an array of urgent challenges, the focus must shift from political theatre to substantive solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
This Map Editorial cartoon was featured in Politico’s Cartoon Carousel. Also, The Duluth News Tribune. Also, The Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Available for purchase on a wide range of merchandise through Redbubble and TeePublic.