International

Gulf of Mexico renamed “Gulf of America” on Google Maps following Trump’s executive order

The Gulf of Mexico was officially renamed the “Gulf of America” on Google Maps.

The name change for the oceanic basin — shared by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba — went into effect on Monday across the country. Both names now appear for Google Maps users outside the U.S., while the Gulf of Mexiconame remains in place in Mexico.

The renaming was carried out after Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” on his first day in office, January 20, asserting that the Gulf should celebrate the United States, not Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico had carried that name since the 17th century.

Google stated that it would comply with the Trump order, but only after an update in the U.S. Geographic Names System (USGS).

International

U.S. reinforces southern border with additional military personnel

U.S.-Mexico border crossing closed due to protests

The U.S. military has announced the deployment of more than 600 additional troops to the Mexico border, reinforcing President Donald Trump’s efforts against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

According to the U.S. Northern Command (Northcom), the new deployment includes 40 Air Force intelligence analysts and 590 Army engineers. This move will increase the total number of troops currently stationed or scheduled for deployment at the southern border to approximately 9,600.

The decision aligns with the administration’s broader border security strategy, emphasizing intelligence gathering, infrastructure development, and operational support for law enforcement agencies.

International

New ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ could save U.S. government $554 Billion, says investor Andrew Hohns

Andrew Hohns, renowned investor and founder of Newmarket Capital, recently introduced his ‘Bitcoin Bonds’ at the Bitcoin for America event. This innovative mechanism combines traditional U.S. Treasury bonds with investments in Bitcoin, aiming to lower federal debt costs while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the government.

Hohns’ plan proposes issuing $2 trillion in bonds, allocating 10% to Bitcoin purchases and 90% to other government expenditures. These bonds would offer a significantly lower interest rate of 1%, compared to the current 4.5% on 10-year bonds—potentially saving the federal government $554 billion over a decade.

A unique feature of these bonds is that investors would not only receive the standard 4.5% annual interest but also share profits from Bitcoin’s value appreciation with the government. Additionally, Hohns advocates for tax exemptions on capital gains and interest earnings from these bonds, making them an attractive option for American families looking to hedge against inflation.

“This plan doesn’t just cut debt costs—it provides American families with a new savings tool,” said Hohns.

International

Pedro Castillo suffers health crisis, rushed to hospital

Former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo, who has been on a hunger strike since Monday, was hospitalized after suffering a health crisis, the court handling his trial announced on Thursday.

The 55-year-old was rushed to the Vitarte Hospital, the nearest facility to the presidential prison where he has been detained since December 2022. Judge Norma Carbajal stated that Castillo experienced a decompensation just hours before his trial resumed. However, medical reports confirm that he is now stable and out of danger.

Despite a request from Castillo’s public defender to suspend the hearing, the court decided to continue with the proceedings.