Trump Proposes Renaming Strait of Hormuz After Himself or U.S.

The president's suggestion to rebrand the vital global oil corridor faces mockery and criticism.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:44am

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President Donald Trump is facing backlash after floating the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping lanes, after himself or the United States. Trump referred to it as the 'Strait of Trump' before correcting himself, and has also privately discussed rebranding it as the 'Strait of America' if the U.S. helps wrest control of it from Iran. The waterway has become a major flashpoint in the administration's conflict with Tehran, but even some Trump allies appear uneasy with the president's self-promotional efforts.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil corridor, and control over it has become a major point of tension between the U.S. and Iran. Trump's suggestion to rebrand the waterway reflects his tendency for self-promotion, which some allies worry could tarnish his legacy.

The details

At an investor forum in Miami, Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Strait of Trump' before correcting himself, insisting the remark was intentional. The president has also privately discussed rebranding the vital global oil corridor as the 'Strait of America' if the U.S. helps wrest control of it from Iran. The waterway has become a major flashpoint in the administration's escalating conflict with Tehran, which has disrupted shipping and helped send oil and gas prices higher.

  • On March 28, 2026, Trump made the remarks at an investor forum in Miami.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who proposed renaming the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“'Excuse me, I'm so sorry. Such a terrible mistake. The Fake News will say, 'He accidentally said.' No, there's no accidents with me.'”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Trump's self-promotion while in the White House is 'getting tiresome and tacky,' and risks 'tarnishing his legacy.'”

— Former administration official

The takeaway

Trump's suggestion to rename the Strait of Hormuz after himself or the U.S. reflects his tendency for self-promotion, which some allies worry could undermine his legacy. The proposal also highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran over control of this vital global oil corridor.