The Trump administration’s Interior Department announced on Friday that it has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Denali to Mount McKinley. The changes, part of President Donald Trump’s early executive actions, fulfill a campaign pledge to restore what he considers traditional American names. The Interior Department confirmed in a statement: “As directed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America, and North America’s highest peak will once again bear the name Mount McKinley.”
Alaska’s iconic mountain, previously named Mount McKinley in honor of President William McKinley, was renamed Denali, meaning “tall” in the Koyukon Indigenous language, at the state’s request in 1975. Trump’s decision to reverse the name honors McKinley, a Republican president credited with significant economic and territorial expansion, including the acquisition of Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
In his inaugural address, Trump praised McKinley as a transformative leader who “made our country very rich through tariffs and talent—he was a natural businessman.” He emphasised the need to celebrate America’s heroes and historical landmarks.
‘Gulf of Mexico’ name change – A geographical challenge
The Gulf of Mexico renaming, however, faces challenges. While the US Geological Survey can implement the name domestically, international recognition of the change is unlikely. Mexico, which shares the Gulf’s extensive coastline, has dismissed the move. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming North America as Mexican America, referencing an old map of the region.
The Gulf of Mexico has been a vital geographic and navigational term for centuries, recognised globally in maritime operations. Experts argue that any unilateral name change by the US could create confusion and disrupt international agreements.
Trump’s actions have sparked criticism and debate over the erasure of Indigenous and internationally recognized names. Supporters argue the move reinforces American heritage, while opponents view it as an unnecessary and provocative change.
Whether the Gulf of America or Mount McKinley names gain traction remains uncertain, but the decision underscores Trump’s focus on reshaping symbols of national identity during his presidency.
(With Reuter Inputs)