The world’s richest man has proposed a new name for the English Channel
After President Donald Trump ordered for the the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed to the Gulf of America, it seems like anything on the map is up for grabs.
Yes, as bizarre as it sounds, one of the first things the Republican has done since moving back into the White House was to sign an executive order to retitle the body of water between the US and Mexico.
Now, Elon Musk – who has been named by Trump as the head of the new Department of Government Efficiency – has revealed what he would like to rename the English Channel.
But first, let’s go into detail about the official name change of the Gulf of Mexico because it sounds hard to believe.
The executive order was titled ‘Restoring names that honor American greatness’.
It read in part: “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.
“The Gulf was a crucial artery for America’s early trade and global commerce. It is the largest gulf in the world, and the United States coastline along this remarkable body of water spans over 1,700 miles and contains nearly 160 million acres.
“Its natural resources and wildlife remain central to America’s economy today.”
It went on to explain how it provides around 14 percent of the US’ crude-oil production, as well as an ‘abundance of natural gas and how it is home to ‘vibrant American fisheries’ which is recognized as ‘one of the most productive fisheries in the world’.
Before concluding: “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.”
So, that’s the Gulf of America… but what does Musk want to do with the English Channel, the body of water separating the UK from France?
“New name for the water that separates England and France,” the Tesla CEO posted on Twitter, with a picture accompanying it with the writing ‘The George Washington Channel’ on it.
New name for the water that separates England and France pic.twitter.com/R6Lipj1Dra
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2025
“You’re gonna give [Kier] Starmer a heart attack,” wrote one person.
“This body of water separates England and France,” commented another, as a third joked: “The British call it the English Channel. The French call it The Sleeve (or, La Manche). Let the chaos commence.”
Meanwhile, a fourth seemingly sent a warning to the US by writing: “Dear Americans, please respect countries with history and culture while you make America great again.
“You need allies, after all. And who are your allies in this world?”
