Today, Explained
The Gulf of America?
Mar 3, 2025
Matt Visor, White House bureau chief for The Washington Post, and Emily Stewart, Senior correspondent at Business Insider, dive into the controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. They discuss the origins of this shift from a joke to a political reality, exploring its cultural implications and corporate reactions. The conversation also sheds light on the anxiety businesses face amid political upheaval, particularly regarding diversity initiatives, and the backlash against companies for their stances on social issues.
27:50
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America illustrates the absurdity of political rhetoric and its impact on international relations.
- Major tech corporations' quick adaptation to Trump's name change reflects a growing trend of cautious capitalism amidst a polarized political climate.
Deep dives
The Origin of the Gulf of America Concept
The idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America traces back to humor and satire, with its roots in a 2010 joke by Stephen Colbert. Colbert raised funds for victims of the BP oil spill by jokingly promoting a charitable fund called the 'Colbert Nation Gulf of America Fund,' which attracted attention for its absurdity. This humorous notion resurfaced in 2012 when a Mississippi lawmaker suggested the name change as a playful jab at his Republican colleagues. Recently, right-wing influencers, particularly Kevin Posobiec, have revived this idea, leading to its surprising consideration by political leaders.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
