Moderate Republicans Won’t Be Voting For Marjorie Traitor Greene’s Bill To Rename The Gulf of Mexico

But Mike Lawler (R-NY) Will Be

Since Señor Trumpanzyy signed an executive order in January to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” the response has been largely critical, with virtually no buy-in outside the MAGA States of America. Marjorie Traitor Greene rushed to introduce a resolution marking the name change official U.S. policy and apparently MAGA Mike plans to allow it to be voted on in early May. We’ll get back to Traitor Greene in a moment.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that, “For us, it is still the Gulf of Mexico, and for the entire world it is still the Gulf of Mexico.” Mexico has threatened to sue Google after the company updated Google Maps to reflect “Gulf of America” for U.S. users. Sheinbaum urged Google to restore “Gulf of Mexico” and indicated potential civil action if the company did not comply. Mexican authorities emphasized that the Gulf is partly within Mexico’s jurisdiction (49% of its maritime boundaries) and that the name, recognized by the world since 1607, cannot be unilaterally changed. 

The international community largely continues to use “Gulf of Mexico.” The name is entrenched in global cartography and recognized by international bodies like the United Nations, making widespread adoption of “Gulf of America” unlikely. Even in the U.S. polls have indicated significant domestic opposition. A Fox News poll from March 2025 found that 67% of Americans oppose it with only 31% supporting the decision. A Marquette University poll similarly reported 71% opposition and 29% support. In MAGA areas like Bay County, Florida (where 73% voted for Trump), there’s more compliance with the new name among local officials and businesses.

The AP has resisted the renaming, maintaining “Gulf of Mexico” in its style guide while acknowledging Trump’s order. This led to the White House barring AP reporters from several events, including Oval Office briefings, prompting a lawsuit from the AP for violating press freedoms. Major outlets like the New York Times and Reuters continue to use “Gulf of Mexico,” noting Trump’s renaming only in relevant contexts. Meanwhile, of course, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and agencies like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) have complied with Trump’s order, updating maps, charts, and weather products to reflect “Gulf of America.”

Critics have argued the renaming is a symbolic, hollow gesture, unlikely to change global maps or usage. Needless to say, Traitor Greene’s bill passed in the House Natural Resources Committee 24-17, all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats opposing it, one from each party not voting.

There are 17 cosponsors, almost entirely lunatic fringe extremists from the House Freedom Caucus like Andy Ogles (R-TN), Barry Moore (R-AL), Troy Nehls (R-TX), Mary Miller (R-IL), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Mike Collins (R-GA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY)… all the nuts and usual suspects. The one name that stands out on that list, Mike Lawler, usually tries playing the mainstream conservative on TV and tries distances himself from the MAGA insanity. But this time his mask slipped and he jumped right on the bill on the first day Traitor Greene introduced it, the only not MAGA nut who did.

Lawler’s most credible opponent, Mike Sacks, told us that “Lawler's helping MTG's MAGA cult ratify their Dear Leader's stupidest delusions, all while he's pushing tax cuts for Trump's billionaire best friends that will be paid for by stealing health care from millions of vulnerable Americans. That's not moderate. That's MAGA. Trump and Lawler are wrecking our republic to serve the rich and powerful. We need people in Congress who will build a new House from Trump and Lawler's rubble with a vision for a freer, safer, more secure and prosperous democracy that represents all of us.”