‘We’re not renaming New Mexico’: State historian pushes back on Trump’s ‘New America’ pitch

‘We’re not renaming New Mexico’: State historian pushes back on Trump’s ‘New America’ pitch

Author: The Santa Fe New Mexican September 11, 2026 Duration: 37:01

New Mexico was in the national spotlight earlier this week as President Donald Trump sent out multiple social media posts indicating a desire to rename New Mexico “New America.” The posts prompted backlash from New Mexico’s congressional delegation and others who didn’t appreciate the suggestion.

New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez has been among the voices critical of Trump’s “New America” pitch. He has been interviewed by publications including The New York Times and The Guardian, offering a lesson on the origins of New Mexico’s name and sharing some of the unique elements of the state’s history.

In the latest episode of the “Around the Roundhouse” podcast, Martinez joins Santa Fe New Mexican state politics reporter Daniel J. Chacón to push back against Trump’s “New America” posts, saying “our state name is no joke.”

Martinez discusses the shaping of New Mexico and its complex culture. He also shares the history the region has had with the United States and Mexico, and some the prejudices that developed that he says seem to have not gone away.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Every week, Around the Roundhouse pulls back the curtain on the workings of New Mexico’s state government. Hosted by veteran statehouse reporter Daniel J. Chacón of The Santa Fe New Mexican, this podcast goes beyond the headlines and floor votes to explore the real stories shaping policy. You’ll hear directly from the legislators, advocates, and officials driving the agenda, getting a sense of the personalities and behind-the-scenes dynamics that define each session. The focus is on the substantive debates and political maneuvering that turn ideas into law, providing context often missed in daily news reports. Tune in for candid conversations and analysis that make the legislative process accessible and engaging. This isn't just a recap of events; it's an insider's guide to the forces at play under the Capitol dome. For anyone interested in how New Mexico is governed, this weekly podcast serves as an essential, grounded companion to the fast-paced world of Santa Fe politics.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

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