New Mexicans meet Trump’s threat to change state’s name with ridicule and outrage
Residents denounce suggestion to rename state ‘New America’, save some Republicans who insist it was ‘satire’
TL;DR
- Donald Trump's proposal to rename New Mexico 'New America' has caused outrage among residents, particularly given the state's large Latino and Native American populations.
- Residents and Democrats view the suggestion as a racially charged attempt to 'whitewash' the state's identity and a distraction tactic from more significant issues.
- The proposal echoes historical discrimination, as New Mexico was denied statehood for over 60 years due to its predominantly Spanish-speaking and Native inhabitants.
- Some Republicans, including gubernatorial and congressional candidates, dismissed the suggestion as 'satire' and a Democratic attempt to distract voters.
- Any name change would require amending the state's constitution, which is unlikely given that all statewide offices are held by Democrats.