Trump's call to rename New Mexico ‘New America’ is a distraction tactic, Democrats say
Amid unpopular Iran war and persistent inflation, governor says state has had its name since before US existed
TL;DR
- Democrats accuse President Trump of suggesting the renaming of New Mexico to "New America" as a distraction from his war in Iran and rising prices.
- Trump expressed support for the name change on social media, calling it "more prestigious and beautiful."
- The US federal government cannot unilaterally change a state's name; it requires voter approval through a constitutional amendment.
- New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham stated the state's name is not up for debate and predates the US, asserting the name change is a distraction from economic issues.
- Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, along with US House Representative Melanie Stansbury, firmly rejected the renaming proposal.
- Even Greg Hull, the Republican nominee for governor, opposed the suggestion, emphasizing New Mexico's historical identity and heritage.