Donald Trump has a new promise in his playbook—renaming Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, back to Mount McKinley. This idea has already stirred up some backlash, especially from Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski.
The History Behind the Name
Mount McKinley, named in 1917 after President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, had its name officially changed to Denali in 2015 by President Barack Obama. “Denali” comes from the Athabascan language of Alaska Natives, meaning “The High One.”
Trump, however, wants to reverse Obama’s decision. Speaking to his supporters in Phoenix, Trump said, “They stripped the name of a great president, William McKinley, from Mount McKinley. He was a great president.” Trump then vowed, “When I’m president, I’ll bring the name Mount McKinley back because he deserves it.”
Why the Name Change Happened
Obama’s decision to rename the mountain to Denali wasn’t made on a whim. The U.S. Department of the Interior highlighted that McKinley had no direct connection to the mountain or Alaska. He never visited the state, let alone the mountain itself.
On the other hand, “Denali” holds deep cultural significance for Alaska Natives and the state itself. Alaska first proposed the name change back in 1975, but federal approval hit roadblocks for decades—until Obama’s administration stepped in.
The Backlash to Trump’s Idea
Not everyone is thrilled with Trump’s plan. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican senator from Alaska, was quick to respond. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disagreement:
For Alaskans, the name Denali represents a connection to their heritage and the land’s indigenous roots.
Denali: A Symbol Beyond Politics
For years, the debate over the mountain’s name has symbolized a larger conversation about honoring indigenous cultures versus preserving historical traditions. While some see “Mount McKinley” as a tribute to a past president, others argue that “Denali” reflects the true essence of the mountain and its place in Native Alaskan history.
What’s Next?
Whether or not he follows through with this promise, one thing is clear—this mountain is more than just a name; it’s a symbol of heritage, history, and identity.