Explained: Why Trump wants to rename ‘Gulf of Mexico’ and ‘Mount Denali’
The documents reportedly state that the renaming is intended to "honor American greatness" and emphasise that "President Trump is bringing common sense to government and renewing the pillars of American civilization."
In the first few hours after taking office as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump announced plans to rename the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ as the ‘Gulf of America’ and revert North America’s highest peak, ‘Mount Denali’ in Alaska, to its previous name, ‘Mount McKinley.’
According to reports, drafts of the executive orders for these changes have already been prepared. The documents reportedly state that the renaming is intended to “honor American greatness” and emphasise that “President Trump is bringing common sense to government and renewing the pillars of American civilization.”
Reports suggest that the Interior Secretary has been directed to implement these name changes within 30 days and update the federal Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). This update would ensure that government-issued maps and federal communications reflect the new names, “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley,” instead of the original “Gulf of Mexico” and “Mount Denali,” respectively.
Why the name changes hold significance for Trump
The Gulf of America:
Renaming the Gulf plays a significant role in Donald Trump’s energy policies, as it is a key area for offshore oil production in the United States, an industry the President aims to expand during his second term.
The Gulf borders the states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, which are premier locations for offshore petroleum production. According to *The Post*, which first reported on the draft order, the Gulf was described as “pivotal.” The order reportedly states, “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy. In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its people, the renaming underscores its importance to the nation.”
Mount McKinley:
Reverting the name of Mount Denali to Mount McKinley holds personal significance for Trump, as William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States after whom the peak was originally named, has been a significant inspiration for him.
The peak was named “Mount McKinley” in 1917, 16 years after McKinley’s assassination. It retained this name until President Barack Obama restored its indigenous name, “Denali,” in 2015 to honor the Koyukon Athabaskans, the original inhabitants of Alaska, who had used the name for centuries.
The order reportedly reads, “This order honors President McKinley for giving his life for our great nation and dutifully recognizes his historic legacy of protecting America’s interests and generating enormous wealth for all Americans.”
