In a renewed push to change New Mexico’s name, former US President Donald Trump has suggested that the state be renamed “New America.” Trump argues that such a change would bolster national pride and potentially improve property values and incomes within the state. This proposal was reiterated in a social media post on October 19, where Trump also cast doubts on the integrity of elections in New Mexico, alleging electoral misconduct without providing any evidence.
Trump initially introduced the idea of renaming New Mexico in September, incorporating the term “New America” in a post endorsing a Republican congressional candidate. At that time, he mentioned that the residents of New Mexico would ultimately decide on the proposal.
However, the suggestion has met with resistance from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. She dismissed the idea, highlighting the state’s historical significance and emphasizing that its name should not become a political issue. Governor Grisham stated that her administration is concentrating on essential issues such as healthcare, housing, childcare, and education access.
This proposal is part of a broader trend during Trump’s second term of advocating for geographical renaming initiatives. Past efforts have included the federal adoption of the name “Gulf of America” for the Gulf of Mexico and the restoration of the name Mount McKinley for Alaska’s Denali. Despite these moves, no official announcement has been made regarding a change to New Mexico’s name.