In his first major actions as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has made a bold move to rename two prominent American landmarks. The Gulf of Mexico will now be officially referred to as the Gulf of America, while Alaska’s towering peak, Mount Denali, will revert to its original name—Mount McKinley.
The Significance of Mount McKinley
The decision to restore Mount McKinley’s name is deeply rooted in Trump’s desire to honor the legacy of President William McKinley. The former president, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901, played a key role in the expansion of U.S. territory following the Spanish-American War and was a strong advocate for protectionist tariffs. Trump, who has often praised McKinley for his leadership and business acumen, views him as an inspiration for his own political agenda.
In a rally in Arizona last December, Trump expressed his admiration for McKinley, calling him a “great president” and “very successful businessman.” He lamented the decision to remove McKinley’s name from the mountain, saying, “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.”
Trump’s executive orders will direct the Secretary of the Interior to officially update federal communications and maps to reflect the name change back to Mount McKinley. The renaming is expected to be celebrated by Trump’s supporters who view it as a restoration of American history and pride.
Rebranding the Gulf of Mexico
Trump’s move to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is another bold action designed to reinforce his “America First” agenda. In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, the president described the new name as “a beautiful name” and expressed his belief that it was “appropriate.”
The Gulf of America plays a central role in the U.S. economy, particularly in offshore oil production, which Trump has prioritized as part of his energy policies. Trump has promised to expand the nation’s energy production during his second term, and renaming the Gulf of Mexico reflects his commitment to boosting America’s energy independence.
The Gulf is not only a hub for oil and gas production but also a critical area for international commerce, tourism, fishing, and recreation. The rebranding, as detailed in the preview of the executive orders, emphasizes the Gulf’s pivotal role in the nation’s maritime industry.
Controversy Surrounding Mount Denali’s Renaming
The move to restore Mount McKinley’s name has sparked some controversy, particularly from those who view the renaming of the mountain in 2015 to Denali as a respectful acknowledgment of indigenous heritage. Under President Barack Obama, Mount McKinley was officially renamed Denali to honor the Koyukon Athabaskan people, who have lived in Alaska for centuries and traditionally referred to the peak by this name.
However, Trump’s decision to reverse this change and restore the mountain’s original name highlights a broader debate over the intersection of American history, indigenous rights, and the role of federal government in naming natural landmarks. The president’s decision to undo Obama’s action aligns with his broader political philosophy and desire to reaffirm what he sees as an American-centric approach to history.
What’s Next for Trump’s Executive Orders?
Trump’s renaming decisions are part of a broader set of executive actions he is expected to sign soon after his inauguration. The orders will begin the process of officially altering federal maps, government communications, and other official references to reflect the new names. These changes will symbolize a fresh chapter in Trump’s second term, where he aims to implement policies that prioritize American values, heritage, and economic strength.
While the renaming may garner mixed reactions, it reflects Trump’s ongoing efforts to challenge past administrations and reshape the country’s narrative to align with his vision of “American greatness.” Whether these changes will have a lasting impact on public perception or simply serve as symbolic gestures remains to be seen. What is clear is that Trump intends to make bold moves from the outset of his second term, starting with rebranding two of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
As for Mount McKinley and the Gulf of America, they are now set to stand as symbols of Trump’s vision for a renewed, robust America.
