President Trump said he called Google CEO Sundar Pichai to ask whether Google Maps could rename the Atlantic Ocean, according to reports from The Washington Post and The Verge. Speaking at a Wednesday night rally, Trump said he would "probably pass" on the idea after Pichai pushed back.
The exchange follows Google's recent renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario on Maps after Trump signed executive orders. Trump said he had also considered renaming the Pacific Ocean to the "American Ocean," though no formal plan was announced.
Sundar Pichai's response to Trump
According to The Verge, Pichai allegedly told the president, "Oceans are different, sir," explaining that oceans cover many countries. Trump quoted Pichai as saying, "No, no, no. This time, I'm not doing it," and "Please don't ask us to do that." Trump described Pichai as "a brilliant guy" and said he would probably keep the Atlantic Ocean name.
Google has not publicly commented on the reported call. The Verge reached out to Google for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Google Maps name changes and other map apps
Google Maps updated the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario names after Trump's executive orders, and Apple Maps made similar changes. However, some other map apps, like MapQuest, have refused to follow their lead.
Trump also mentioned the idea of renaming the Pacific Ocean to the "American Ocean," saying, "We have a lake and we have a gulf, now we need a river and we need an ocean." He discussed possibly renaming a river like the Hudson or Mississippi but said he would not do that to the Mississippi.
What it means for you
For now, the Atlantic Ocean name remains unchanged on Google Maps. If you rely on map apps for navigation or geography, the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario labels have already been updated on Google and Apple Maps, but other apps may differ. It is unclear whether any further renaming requests will be made, and Google has not announced any new changes. Tunisian users should note that map naming can vary by app and region, so always double-check important locations.
