January 22, 2025

Why Trump Wants to Rename Denali to Mount McKinley – Here’s What You Need to Know

Why Trump Wants to Rename Denali to Mount McKinley – Here’s What You Need to Know

n a move stirring national debate, President Donald Trump announced plans to revert the name of Alaska’s tallest peak, Denali, back to its previous name, Mount McKinley. The announcement came during his inaugural address on Monday, where he also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Denali, North America’s tallest mountain standing at over 20,000 feet, has been officially recognized by its indigenous name since 2015. Former President Barack Obama’s administration made the change to honor the mountain’s cultural significance to Alaska Native peoples, particularly the Koyukon Athabascans, who have called it “Denali,” meaning “The High One,” for thousands of years.

Trump’s Justification for the Change

During his speech, Trump emphasized his admiration for the 25th president, William McKinley, after whom the mountain was originally named. McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901, is remembered for his economic policies, including the McKinley Tariffs.

“President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent — he was a natural businessman,” Trump stated. “We will restore the name of a great president to Mount McKinley, where it belongs.”

Trump’s remarks also extended to historical grievances, including criticism of the Panama Canal’s transfer to Panama, which he called a “foolish” decision.

Alaska’s Leaders Respond

The proposed name change has drawn sharp criticism from Alaska’s political leaders. Senator Lisa Murkowski issued a strong statement opposing the decision.

Senator Dan Sullivan also voiced his support for the name Denali. In a statement issued in December, his spokesperson Amanda Coyne noted, “Senator Sullivan, like many Alaskans, prefers the name that the very tough, very strong, very patriotic Athabascan people gave the mountain thousands of years ago.”

Historical Context of the Name

The mountain’s naming history has been a source of contention for decades. In 1896, a prospector named the peak after William McKinley, then a presidential candidate. McKinley had no direct ties to Alaska or the mountain.

In 1975, the Alaska Legislature petitioned the federal government to change the name to Denali, reflecting its indigenous heritage. The official change in 2015 marked a significant victory for the movement to restore traditional place names and acknowledge the history of Alaska Native peoples.

What Happens Next?

Trump’s plan to revert the name is expected to take the form of an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to make the change. Doug Burgum, the Republican governor of North Dakota, is anticipated to be confirmed as the next secretary of the Interior and would oversee the process.

It remains unclear whether the Denali National Park and Preserve, a 6-million-acre area named in 1980, would also be renamed. The park’s current name aligns with the indigenous title of the mountain.

Broader Implications

The potential name change has reignited debates over the importance of honoring indigenous cultures versus preserving historical figures’ legacies. Supporters of the Denali name argue that it recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Alaska’s Native peoples. Critics of the 2015 change, however, view the reversion as a restoration of tradition tied to McKinley’s presidential legacy.

Public Reaction

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. Alaska Native organizations such as the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Tanana Chiefs Conference have not yet issued statements. Meanwhile, discussions on social media and in public forums reflect divided opinions, with some expressing frustration over what they see as a step backward in acknowledging indigenous heritage.

Final Thoughts

The debate over Denali’s name underscores broader conversations about cultural heritage, historical recognition, and political priorities. As the process unfolds, the decision’s implications for both Alaskans and the nation at large will likely remain a point of contention.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author