Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum and Renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'

Trump Reinstates 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports set to take effect on Monday. Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to reciprocal tariffs, stating that the U.S. will impose duties on goods from any country that levies tariffs on American exports.

"Every country will be reciprocal. If they take advantage of us, we’ll hit them back. Any steel coming into the United States will have a 25% tariff, and aluminum will also be 25%."

During his first term, Trump imposed 25% duties on steel and 10% on aluminum but later provided duty-free quotas to key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. Former President Joe Biden later extended these quotas to Britain, Japan, and the European Union. However, Trump's new announcement removes exemptions, applying tariffs to all nations, including allies.

A formal announcement on Tuesday or Wednesday will outline the specific details of the trade measures.

Trump Renames the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America'

In a surprise move, Trump signed a proclamation renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America', stating that the name change reflects America's leadership in the Western Hemisphere.

"We’re flying right over it now, so it’s a perfect time. This is even bigger than the Super Bowl! Almost everyone has agreed, and it’s officially the Gulf of America."

Trump's Interior Department had already directed the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to update maps reflecting the new name. The administration has also requested map providers like Google Maps and Apple Maps to adopt the change.

• Google Maps has confirmed it will update the name in U.S. territories, but outside of the U.S. and Mexico, both names will be displayed.
• The change remains unrecognized internationally, as no other country has formally acknowledged the renaming.

Global Reactions to the Renaming

While Trump's supporters welcomed the symbolic change, the move was met with skepticism and criticism from international bodies.

• Mexican officials have dismissed the name change, emphasizing that geographic names cannot be unilaterally altered by one country.
• Geopolitical analysts argue that renaming an internationally recognized body of water is unlikely to gain acceptance beyond U.S. borders.

Trade and Foreign Policy Shake-Up Under Trump

Trump’s tariff announcement signals a return to hardline trade policies aimed at protecting American industries but risks escalating trade tensions with key allies. Meanwhile, the Gulf of America renaming underscores Trump's nationalist agenda, though its international recognition remains uncertain.

As Trump prepares for a busy diplomatic and trade policy week, will the global community accept these changes, or will they spark backlash and trade disputes?

Stay tuned for more updates on U.S. trade policy, international relations, and political developments.