Gregg Hull, a Republican gubernatorial candidate in New Mexico, has opposed President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename the state ‘New America.’ On Monday, Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “New Mexico should immediately change its name to New America. We are not Mexico, we are the United States of America!” He claimed that the name change would increase “value and prestige,” suggesting it would boost incomes and home values. Trump also implied that the change might lead to more honest elections, which he believes New Mexico lacks.
In response, Hull tweeted his opposition, asserting, “New Mexico does not need a new name.” He emphasized the state’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and resilient people as integral to its identity, an identity he insists is non-negotiable. Hull pointed out that his campaign focuses on creating jobs, addressing tax and economic issues, achieving energy independence, and exploring strategies for easing financial burdens on families.
This isn’t the first instance where Trump has entertained the idea of renaming significant geographical locations. Previously, he dubbed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America and considered rebranding Lake Ontario as Lake America. Additionally, during heightened tensions with Iran, he suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as the ‘Trump Strait.’
Commenting on Hull’s stance, the White House referenced the president’s remarks but refrained from further comments. Hull reiterated that New Mexicans care about improving their economic situation, not superficial name changes. Midterm elections often serve as an indicator of the political climate, and historically, the president’s party tends to lose seats.
During the 2024 presidential election, Trump narrowly lost New Mexico to Vice President Kamala Harris. His overall approval ratings on economic policy, immigration, employment, and his approach to the conflict with Iran are waning as affordability concerns persist nationwide. In New Mexico, gas prices remain high, exceeding the national average. As of Monday, a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $4.3465 compared to the national figure of $4.2953, per AAA data.
Ryan Boetel of the Albuquerque Journal criticized Trump’s renaming proposal as simplistic, questioning why it took so long for such a suggestion to emerge. Boetel advised readers to dismiss the idea, labeling it a tactic of frustration. Similarly, MapQuest humorously defied Trump’s past rebranding efforts with a comment on X addressed to @NewMexico.
New Mexico lawmakers also voiced their opinions. Senator Ben Ray Lujan, a Democrat, expressed pride in the state’s longstanding name, highlighting its rich cultural history that pre-dates the establishment of the United States. He reaffirmed that New Mexicans would proudly maintain their name and heritage regardless of Trump’s actions.
Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reacted skeptically on X, suggesting Trump’s intention was to distract from policy shortcomings. She reiterated New Mexico’s historical significance, and emphasized recent state accomplishments such as providing universal, cost-free child care and safeguarding health care subsidies. Governor Grisham highlighted that New Mexico’s elections are ranked among the most secure. She suggested that Trump’s inability to accept voters supporting Democratic policies could be behind his renaming propositions, concluding with, “¡Viva Nuevo Mexico!”
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