The Trump administration seems to have turned to a new and controversial pastime amid serious crises and challenges: renaming states and famous places. The latest case is the state of New Mexico, which has been renamed to 'New America.' This action comes at a time when the country is grappling with the highest diesel fuel prices in its history and the war in Iran has dragged on for months.
Is this a political game?
It seems that Trump, as an unrelenting cartographer, is trying to reshape America's geography to his liking. He has previously indicated that the United States currently has a bay and a lake, and now needs an ocean. Is this ocean the 'Ocean of America' that appears to include both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans?
These naming changes may seem ridiculous, but they could be signs of deeper changes behind Trump's political and economic efforts. In fact, this situation illustrates how a president can influence geographical and political realities with his language.
Does geography change easily?
As Trump grapples with issues like the trade war with Canada, these renaming efforts could represent a larger strategy. Are these attempts meant to divert public attention from the real problems facing the country? In this case, it should be noted that geography never changes easily. It seems that geography tests in American schools will soon become much easier.
However, these changes appear to be nothing more than a political game. Can a state’s name really be changed so easily to achieve a new image of America? Or is this action merely a spectacle to entertain the public amid serious crises and challenges?
