President Donald Trump wasted no time in making bold moves on his first day back in office. Among his executive orders was the renaming of North America’s highest peak, officially changing it from Denali back to its former name, Mount McKinley. This decision has stirred debate, even among those who generally support Trump’s policies. While some conservatives see it as restoring historical legacy, others argue that Denali should remain out of respect for Indigenous heritage.
This is one of those rare issues where the debate isn’t strictly along political lines. It’s a decision with cultural, historical, and political weight, and I want to hear from you—should Trump have made this change, or should the mountain remain Denali?
The History of the Name
For thousands of years, the Koyukon Athabascan people have called the mountain “Denali,” meaning “The High One” or “The Great One.” This name reflects their deep cultural connection to the land and has been used long before the U.S. government ever set foot in Alaska.
In 1896, a prospector named William Dickey dubbed it “Mount McKinley” after then-presidential candidate William McKinley, a pro-business Republican from Ohio. The name stuck, and in 1917, it became official when Congress designated the area as Mount McKinley National Park. However, McKinley never visited Alaska and had no direct ties to the region.
Starting in 1975, Alaskan officials made formal efforts to restore the name to Denali. The push gained momentum over the years, and in 2015, President Barack Obama used his executive authority to officially change the name back to Denali, fulfilling a long-standing request from Alaska Natives and state officials.
Trump’s Case for Mount McKinley
Trump argues that renaming the mountain to McKinley restores the rightful honor of a past president who shaped America’s economic policy. McKinley was a strong advocate for protective tariffs that helped American industry, a policy position Trump himself champions.
Furthermore, many who support the change believe that removing McKinley’s name was an example of modern political correctness erasing American history. If we start undoing historical names, where does it end? That’s the perspective of those who see this as a correction of a wrong decision made under the Obama administration.
The Case for Keeping Denali
Opponents of the change argue that the name Denali is not about erasing history, but rather about restoring the original name that had been used for centuries. The mountain is a natural wonder, not a political monument, and should carry the name given by the people who have lived there the longest.
Even within conservative circles, some question whether this executive order was a necessary battle. Alaska’s own Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, oppose the renaming, arguing that the name Denali is part of Alaska’s identity and should not be changed for political reasons.
Where Do You Stand?
I almost always align with Trump’s policies, and I know many of you do as well. But this is one of those issues that requires a closer look. Is it about honoring a historical figure, or is it about respecting the original heritage of the land? Is this a win for historical preservation, or an unnecessary move that distracts from bigger battles?
I want to hear from you. Should the mountain remain Denali, or should we embrace the return to Mount McKinley? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
I should care because . . . . . . . . . . . ?