According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump posted several social media posts over the weekend, calling for the name of New Mexico to be changed to "New America".
Later on the 6th local time, Trump first posted a statement saying that “many people” suggested renaming New Mexico.
"For those who have potential to become unbelievable people, this name is even more noble and beautiful." Trump wrote. "Wow, I love it!!!"
Trump Posting: Real Socializing
This post also includes a video that is suspected to have been generated by artificial intelligence. In the video, Trump stands in front of a state boundary sign that reads “New Mexico”, and changes the word “Mexico” to “America”. Then, he dances to the prelude of the song “Y.M.C.A.” by the band Village People.
By September 7th, Trump released six maps that had been digitally processed. On all of these maps, “New Mexico” was changed to “New America”.
Trump’s proposed map modifications for real social networking
These posts quickly led to a response from Michelle Lujan Grisham, the Democratic governor of New Mexico.
She said, “The name of New Mexico is indisputable—it belonged to us long before it was born in the United States.”
Grisham also said that Trump is trying to divert the attention of American citizens away from the war with Iran and the rising gasoline prices. She noted that New Mexico is focusing on practical issues such as healthcare and housing, while “the White House is spending time on meaningless activities on a map.”
New Mexico became a state of the United States in 1912, becoming the 47th state. Although the President has the authority to adjust the geographical names used by the federal government, he does not have the power to change the state name.
The White House refused to comment on Trump’s related posts.
