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Trump Vows to rename Denali, North America’s tallest mountain, as Mount McKinley

The mountain, which stands at over 20,000 feet was officially renamed Denali in 2015 by former President Barack Obama.

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President-elect Donald Trump vows to rename Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, back to Mount McKinley, despite local opposition from Alaska leaders.

In a move that has reignited a long-standing debate, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to rename Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, back to its former title of Mount McKinley. 

The mountain, which stands at over 20,000 feet (6,190 meters), was officially renamed Denali in 2015 by former President Barack Obama, ending decades of dispute over the mountain’s name.

The history behind the name is tied to both politics and local tradition. The mountain was named Mount McKinley in 1896 after a gold prospector in Alaska heard that William McKinley, who would go on to become the 25th president of the United States, had won the Republican nomination. McKinley, a strong supporter of the gold standard, was seen as a champion of the gold rush that had taken place in Alaska.

However, for many Alaska natives, the name "Denali," which means “The High One” in the local Athabascan language, was the true and rightful name for the peak. 

In 1975, the state of Alaska officially adopted Denali as the name for the mountain. But it wasn’t until 2015, after years of lobbying by Alaskan lawmakers, that the U.S. federal government under Obama also made the change.

The decision to rename the mountain sparked strong reactions, especially from those who supported the original name of Mount McKinley. 

Many argued that McKinley, who served as president from 1897 until his assassination in 1901, deserved to have his name honored. Trump, who will take office in January 2025, is among those who believe the mountain should be renamed after McKinley.

During a speech to his supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump expressed his disagreement with Obama’s 2015 decision. "They took his name off Mount McKinley," Trump said, referring to Obama’s action. 

"He was a great president," Trump continued, adding that his administration would “bring back the name of Mount McKinley because I think he deserves it.”

Recently he has threatened to reclaim control of the Panama Canal over high fees.

While Trump’s comments have rekindled the debate, the change made in 2015 by Obama is not easily undone. The U.S. Department of the Interior had noted at the time that McKinley had never visited the mountain and had no historical connection to it. 

In fact, the name change was backed by historical and cultural reasons, with many Alaskan natives and local lawmakers pushing for Denali to be the official name for the peak.

The decision to rename the mountain was part of a broader effort to honor Alaska’s native heritage. Denali had been the name used by local tribes for centuries, long before European settlers arrived in the region. The name Denali is still used today by many in Alaska, including the state's leaders.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s pledge to rename the mountain back to Mount McKinley. 

In a post on the social media platform X, Murkowski wrote, "There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali – the Great One." Murkowski’s statement reflects the sentiments of many in Alaska who feel that the name Denali is deeply tied to the state’s history and culture.

The mountain itself is a symbol of Alaska’s natural beauty and rugged wilderness. It draws climbers and tourists from around the world, who come to experience its challenging terrain and breathtaking views. The debate over its name has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle between local cultural identities and national politics.

Trump’s decision to revisit the mountain’s name has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the name Mount McKinley argue that it is important to honor the legacy of a U.S. president who played a key role in leading the nation during the Spanish-American War and raising protective tariffs to support American industry. McKinley’s legacy as a political leader has made him a respected figure in American history.

On the other hand, opponents of renaming the mountain back to Mount McKinley believe it undermines the wishes of the Alaskan people, especially the indigenous communities who have long fought for the recognition of Denali as the peak’s true name. They argue that the decision to rename the mountain in 2015 was a step toward acknowledging and respecting Alaska’s Native American heritage.

As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of the mountain’s name is more than just a matter of geography. It reflects broader discussions about cultural identity, historical recognition, and political power. While Trump’s administration may have the power to reverse Obama’s decision, the question remains whether it will spark further division or bring about a resolution that satisfies both sides.

 

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