Key facts
- Donald Trump proposed renaming New Mexico to "New America" on his Truth Social platform.
- Democrats, including Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Senator Martin Heinrich, and Representative Melanie Stansbury, rejected the proposal.
Democrats, including New Mexico's governor and senators, have criticized Donald Trump's suggestion to rename the state "New America," calling it a distraction from his administration's policies on Iran, rising prices, and healthcare.
The strong bipartisan rejection of Donald Trump's renaming proposal highlights the deep-seated pride in New Mexico's historical identity and underscores the political divisions surrounding the president's agenda and communication style.
Democrats have strongly opposed Donald Trump's suggestion to rename New Mexico to "New America," characterizing the proposal as a tactic to divert attention from pressing domestic and foreign policy issues. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he liked the idea, calling it "more prestigious and beautiful."
New Mexico's Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham responded on X, stating, "New Mexico’s name isn’t up for debate – it’s been ours since before the United States existed." She accused the president of attempting to distract Americans from "his disastrous war in Iran, gas prices keep soaring," and concerns about grocery costs, healthcare access, and housing affordability.
Senator Martin Heinrich echoed the sentiment, asserting he would "always call by their actual names" the state and bodies of water Trump has sought to rename. His colleague, Senator Ben Ray Luján, added that it is "New Mexico, always has been and always will be," and referred to Trump as a "sinvergüenza" and "corrupt."
US House Representative Melanie Stansbury declared, "WE ARE NOT CHANGING OUR NAME!" emphasizing pride in the state's identity. Even Greg Hull, the Republican nominee for governor, denounced the suggestion, stating that New Mexico's identity, rooted in its history of Native nations and Spanish explorers, is "not up for negotiation." The US federal government does not have the authority to unilaterally change a state's name; such a move would require an amendment to the state constitution approved by New Mexico voters.