US President Donald Trump has reiterated his proposal to rename the state of New Mexico as “New America,” suggesting that such a change could bolster national pride and enhance local property values and incomes. Trump’s proposal, which he shared in a social media post on October 19, aims to reflect the state’s identity as a part of the United States.
In his post, Trump also raised concerns about the integrity of elections in New Mexico, alleging electoral misconduct without providing supporting evidence. This marks the second time Trump has brought up the renaming idea, having initially floated it in September while endorsing a Republican congressional candidate, and using an altered map with the name “New America.” He had previously mentioned that the decision should ultimately rest with the residents of New Mexico.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the historical significance of the state’s current name and rejecting the notion of turning it into a political issue. Governor Lujan Grisham stated that her administration’s focus remains on addressing critical issues such as healthcare, housing, childcare, and educational access.
The suggestion to rename New Mexico is part of a series of geographical renaming initiatives pursued during Trump’s second term. These include the federal adoption of “Gulf of America” for the Gulf of Mexico and the restoration of the name Mount McKinley for Alaska’s Denali. However, no official steps have been taken to change New Mexico’s name as of now.