Trump says New Mexico should change its name to ‘New America’ as he renews push to rename state: ‘Home Values and Incomes would rise’

President Donald Trump has renewed his call to rename New Mexico “New America.” According to The Washington Examiner, Trump repeated the idea in a Truth Social post, having first floated it in September.

“New Mexico should immediately change its name to New America,” Trump wrote. “We are not Mexico, we are the United States of America! The name would add great value and prestige to the State! Home Values and Incomes would rise, and you would be even prouder while saluting our beautiful American Flag!”

Trump presented the change as a way to boost the state’s prestige and residents’ finances, though he did not explain how a new name would raise home values or incomes. He also took aim at the state’s voting. “Maybe even the Crooked Elections, that New Mexico is known for, would become honest again!” he wrote, without offering details to support the allegation.

Trump has renamed other places before

The request fits a pattern. Trump has pushed to change other place names, too. He renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” in 2025 and later renamed Lake Ontario “Lake America.”

Renaming a state is more complicated. New Mexico’s legislature would have to pass a constitutional amendment, which voters would then need to approve in a statewide ballot initiative. So far, state lawmakers have shown little interest in the proposal. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, has opposed the idea, as have other state officials.

Gregg Hull, the Republican candidate for governor, also turned the idea down in September. “New Mexico does not need a new name,” Hull said. “This state carries the history of Native nations and Spanish explorers who named this land nearly 500 years ago, and generations of families who built New Mexico into what it is today. That identity is not up for negotiation.”

Hull cited the state’s history, including Native nations, Spanish explorers and generations of families who shaped its identity. He shares a party with Trump, yet Trump has not endorsed him in the race. Democrat Deb Haaland, the other gubernatorial candidate, rejected the suggestion as well. That leaves both nominees on the same side of the issue, at least on the name.

It is unclear why Trump brought the name up again. The outlet reported no scheduled visits to New Mexico in the near future, noting that Trump was traveling to other states ahead of the midterm elections.