Alabama law requires public employees to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America starting October 2026

In early 2026, Alabama enacted HB2, a law requiring state and local employees to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America' starting October 1, 2026. The law mandates updating official materials but allows historical use in academic instruction. Legal experts argue it may violate First Amendment academic freedom, citing a recent Eleventh Circuit ruling. Separately, President Trump's 2025 order to rename the Gulf has caused friction with Mexico, whose president rejects the change. Data show the U.S. and Mexico have nearly equal shares of the Gulf's coastline, contradicting Trump's claims.