In a move that highlights his vision of “American greatness,” Donald Trump plans to rename two iconic landmarks during his early hours as the 47th president of the United States, according to The New York Post. These changes, set to be enacted through executive orders, include renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” and reverting Alaska’s Mount Denali to its previous designation, “Mount McKinley.”
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America”
President Trump’s plan to rename the Gulf of Mexico symbolizes his commitment to American identity. Trump initially floated this idea during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, calling the name “beautiful” and “appropriate.”
The Gulf of Mexico borders five U.S. states—Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—and serves as a vital hub for industries like offshore oil production, international trade, fishing, and tourism. Trump’s draft executive order underscores the Gulf’s importance, referring to it as “pivotal” in its contributions to America’s economy and energy independence.
Restoring Mount Denali to “Mount McKinley”
Trump’s second renaming effort focuses on Alaska’s iconic peak. The mountain, the tallest in North America at 20,310 feet, was officially designated as Mount McKinley in 1917, in honor of President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. In 2015, President Barack Obama renamed it Denali to honor the name used by Alaska’s indigenous Koyukon Athabaskans.
Restoring the McKinley name holds personal significance for Trump, who has praised the 25th president for his economic policies and territorial expansion during the Spanish-American War. Speaking at a Turning Point USA rally, Trump described McKinley as “a very good, maybe a great president,” noting his contributions to American growth and prosperity.
The draft executive order explains, “President McKinley is honored for giving his life for our great Nation and for his legacy of protecting America’s interests.”
Implementation and Reception
The executive orders direct the Secretary of the Interior to update federal maps and official communications with the new names. However, it remains unclear whether these changes will extend to schools or non-governmental contexts.
Both renaming efforts have sparked debate. Supporters argue the decisions reflect a tribute to American history, while critics see them as an unnecessary reversal of prior efforts to honor indigenous heritage and international cooperation.
Historical Context of Name Changes
Mount Denali (formerly Mount McKinley): The name “Denali,” meaning “The High One,” has been used by Alaska’s Koyukon Athabaskans for centuries. The Alaska Legislature petitioned for the name change as early as 1975, culminating in Obama’s executive action in 2015.
Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf has historically been named for its proximity to Mexico, though Trump’s proposed change aligns with his often contentious stance on U.S.-Mexico relations during his first term.
Potential Impact on Industries
The Gulf of Mexico is integral to America’s energy production and trade. Renaming it as the Gulf of America may strengthen national pride but is unlikely to impact its role in global commerce. Similarly, changing Denali back to Mount McKinley may resonate with certain American historical narratives without altering the mountain’s global significance as a tourist destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Donald Trump renaming these landmarks?
Trump’s executive orders aim to honor “American greatness” by emphasizing national identity and historical significance.
What was Mount Denali called before 2015?
It was officially named Mount McKinley in 1917, honoring President William McKinley. In 2015, President Obama renamed it Denali to reflect the indigenous Koyukon Athabaskans’ traditional name.
Will the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico impact trade or industry?
No significant impact on trade or industry is expected. The Gulf will remain a key hub for offshore oil production, international shipping, and fishing regardless of its name.
Are these name changes permanent?
While executive orders can be reversed by future administrations, they will remain in effect unless officially rescinded.
Conclusion
Trump’s proposed name changes to the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali reflect his broader vision of celebrating American heritage and history. While these actions may spark polarized opinions, they underscore his focus on national identity and symbolism. As Trump begins his term as the 47th president, these renaming decisions set the tone for his administration’s emphasis on preserving and highlighting America’s legacy.