Google Chief Rejected Trump Plan to Rename the Atlantic Ocean

President Donald Trump said Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai rejected his proposal to rename either the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean during a campaign rally in South Carolina on Wednesday.

Trump told supporters that he contacted the technology executive following previous map label updates for the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario to discuss changing the name of the Atlantic Ocean.

The administration previously issued executive orders directing federal agencies to use the names Gulf of America and Lake America, which technology companies subsequently adopted for users within the United States.

The geography changes present significant challenges for international mapping companies and cartographers who sell products globally and must navigate differing national naming conventions.

"No, no, no. This time I'm not doing it," said Donald Trump, recounting the response from the Google executive.

According to Trump, the chief executive told him that oceans span multiple nations and urged him to abandon the rebranding effort.

"Oceans are different, sir, they cover really a lot of countries please don't ask us to do that," Trump said, quoting the executive.

Trump indicated to the crowd that he would likely drop the proposal and leave the existing name in place.

"So I’ll probably pass it, should I pass? I think let's keep it the Atlantic Ocean, right?" said Trump.

Google has not publicly confirmed that the conversation took place and did not immediately respond to requests for comment from news organizations.

Apple also adopted the domestic name changes on its maps, though certain alternative mapping applications have declined to follow their lead, according to The Verge.

The president has previously floated additional geographical renamings, including the Strait of Hormuz and New Mexico, while continuing to search for a suitable river.

It remains unresolved whether the administration will pursue formal federal action for any further international landmarks or if technology platforms will implement additional renamings.