Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his proposal to rename New Mexico as “New America,” stating that such a change could bolster national pride and potentially enhance property values and incomes. Trump’s suggestion was made in a social media post on October 19, where he argued that the state’s name should better represent its 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 any evidence to support his claims. This proposal is not new; Trump first floated the idea in September by sharing an altered map that referred to the state as “New America” while endorsing a Republican congressional candidate. At that time, he suggested that the decision should ultimately rest with the state’s residents.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the historical significance of the state’s name and its importance beyond political debates. She reaffirmed that her administration is prioritizing issues such as healthcare, housing, childcare, and access to education.
This initiative is part of a series of geographical renaming efforts during Trump’s second term. Notable examples include the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and the reversion of Alaska’s Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley. However, there has been no official action taken to change New Mexico’s name as of now.