New Mexico Successfully Remains New Mexico

SANTA FE—New Mexico retained its name Monday after President Donald Trump repeatedly proposed replacing it with “New America,” completing another peaceful transfer of authority from a social-media map to the state constitution.

Trump first circulated an altered map Sunday with “Mexico” crossed out and “America” written in its place. The official White House account amplified the image, and the president returned to the proposal in several more posts the next day. No executive order, bill or formal state process accompanied the material.

Article I of the New Mexico Constitution identifies the jurisdiction as the State of New Mexico and defines its boundaries. A president may tell federal agencies which names to use for federally recognized geographic features. Amending a state constitution remains a project for the state and its voters, who have not been issued replacement stationery.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the name was not up for debate and noted that New Mexico had used it since before the United States existed. Other state officials from both parties also rejected the suggestion. The proposal therefore achieved a rare form of bipartisan clarity without requiring a committee hearing.

The White House has not identified an administrative purpose, estimated cost or implementation schedule for New America. New Mexico continues to operate under its existing constitution, postal abbreviation and road signs. The new name remains fully deployed wherever the altered image is open.