President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on September 6 to share a suggestion that the state of New Mexico be renamed “New America.” In the post, Trump wrote, “Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico … to NEW AMERICA,” and followed up the next day with images and maps labeling the state under the new name.
Constitutional hurdles to a name change
New Mexico’s name is entrenched in the state constitution. Article I explicitly states, “The name of this state is New Mexico.” To alter that language, the legislature would have to propose an amendment under Article XIX, and the amendment would then be placed on a statewide ballot for voter approval. The New Mexico Legislature confirms that any constitutional change ultimately requires the consent of the electorate.
State leaders push back
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham dismissed the proposal, saying, “New Mexico’s name isn’t up for debate; it’s been ours since before the United States existed.” U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich echoed that sentiment, noting he would continue to call the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Ontario, and New Mexico by their current names. “It’s New Mexico, always has been and always will be,” he said.
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury added that the state’s name reflects generations of history, culture, and families, underscoring the deep local roots tied to the existing name.
Historical background of the name
The name “New Mexico” dates back to the Spanish colonial era. In 1598, explorer Juan de Oñate led an expedition across the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande, performing a ceremony to claim “Nuevo México” for Spain. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the region became part of the new nation. It later entered the United States as a territory and achieved statehood on January 6, 1912, when President William Howard Taft proclaimed New Mexico the 47th state.
Public reaction and next steps
While Trump’s suggestion generated social‑media chatter, there is no indication of organized legislative action to pursue a constitutional amendment. Any effort would need to navigate the formal amendment process, secure bipartisan support in the state legislature, and win a majority of voter ballots—a high bar for a name change that many New Mexicans view as unnecessary.
For now, the state’s name remains unchanged, and the conversation appears limited to online speculation rather than concrete policy moves.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
