The U.S. Department of the Interior has taken decisive steps to implement President Donald Trump’s initiative to rename two significant geographical landmarks. The Gulf of Mexico is set to be officially recognized as the Gulf of America, and North America’s tallest peak will revert to its former designation, Mount McKinley.
This directive is being executed swiftly, with the U.S. Board on Geographic Names tasked with ensuring these changes are promptly incorporated into federal use.
President Trump, shortly after his 2024 election victory, laid the groundwork for these renaming efforts. One of his first actions in office was signing the executive order titled “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness.” This order called for renaming the southeastern Atlantic Ocean basin and restoring the historical name of Mount McKinley, emphasizing a return to traditional American values.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico is a bold move, considering it is a shared body of water among multiple countries. However, the debate surrounding the name of the nation’s highest mountain has been ongoing for many years.
The mountain was originally named Mount McKinley in 1897 by William Dickey, a gold prospector, in honor of President William McKinley.For centuries, Native Alaskan groups have known the mountain by a different name. The Athabascan people, native to the region, have referred to the mountain as “Denali,” which means “the great one” or “the high one.”
The Tanana Chiefs Conference, representing several Athabascan tribes, has long championed the use of their traditional name for this iconic peak.
In 1975, the State of Alaska made a formal request to recognize the mountain as Denali. However, the proposal faced opposition, notably from then-Representative Ralph Regula of Ohio, who staunchly defended the McKinley name due to the president’s historical ties to his district.
The name Denali gained official recognition in 2015 when President Barack Obama signed an executive order honoring the native Alaskan heritage. This decision was met with criticism from some who felt it disregarded the historical significance of President McKinley’s contributions.
The Interior Department’s recent announcement emphasized the importance of acknowledging President McKinley’s legacy. The department described the 2015 decision as an affront, asserting that restoring the name Mount McKinley serves as a rightful tribute to the late president’s life and achievements.
Despite the federal directive, there remains opposition to reverting to Mount McKinley. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has expressed her strong disagreement with Trump’s initiative.
She believes that the name Denali should be preserved, honoring the Koyukon Athabascans who have held stewardship of the land for generations.
Senator Murkowski has been a vocal supporter of the Denali name, having led efforts in 2013 to gain broader recognition for the Athabascan name. Her stance highlights the ongoing cultural and historical significance of the mountain to the native communities.
The renaming controversy reflects broader discussions about heritage and identity in America. Balancing respect for historical figures with recognition of indigenous cultures remains a complex issue. Yet, the current administration stands firm in its decision, underscoring a commitment to preserving traditional American legacies.
As these changes unfold, they will undoubtedly continue to stir debate across political and social spectrums. The conversation around geographical names is more than just semantics; it touches on deep-seated values and histories that shape national identity.
The Associated Press has contributed to the coverage of this evolving story, ensuring that the public remains informed about these significant developments. The renaming of such prominent landmarks is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment but a reflection of broader societal shifts.
No one with an I.Q.# higher than room temperature, cares what Murkowski says, thinks or does!
First of all Senator Murkowski is a Rino/imbecile/Traitor and gets ZERO respect from me and I’m sure millions of my fellow American Citizens!
The native tribes had nothing to do with America being established as the Greatest Free Nation on earth that was founded on “Christian” precepts not pagan societies or civilizations; so “President McKinley who actually had a lot to do with America becoming the Great Nation” it is and has been along with his direct historical ties to this district supersedes any of these other contentions100%!
Of course Bathhouse Barry another member of that ZERO respect Club, the “First Fraud and Muslim president, “being the divisive American hating backstabber he was and is” had so much to do with toppling another “Great United States American Traditional Icon!” Another of his attempts to tear it all down!
Great move to change the name back to what it was and should be! And Bathhouse Barry with Murkowski can take a hike or perhaps even better; a flying leap off the peak of Mt. McKinley!