US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename North America’s highest peak as ‘Mount McKinley’. Earlier, former President Barack Obama had renamed it ‘Denali’ in 2015. This decision was taken as a symbol of the tradition and cultural identity of the natives of Alaska. Trump’s move has sparked a new debate across the country.
Trump Reinstates Mount McKinley Name: Controversy Over Obama’s Denali Renaming
Why was Mount McKinley renamed?
While signing the order on Monday, Trump said that this decision has been taken in honor of former US President William McKinley. Trump said, “We will restore the name of Mount McKinley. This has been done to honor the great President William McKinley, who deserves this name.”
William McKinley was the 25th President of America, who played an important role in strengthening the country’s heritage. However, critics say that he had no special connection to Alaska, and reinstating this name is a disregard for the tradition of the natives.
‘Denali’: Cultural identity of Alaska
In 2015, President Obama changed the name of this peak to ‘Denali’ during his visit to Alaska. ‘Denali’ means “great” or “high” in the Koyukon Athabaskan language. This name has been used by the natives of Alaska for centuries and it is an important part of their cultural identity and tradition.
The name Denali was seen as a respect for the historical and cultural heritage of the people of Alaska. This move was very popular at that time, but now Trump’s decision has heated up the issue again.
Reaction of environmental and cultural organizations
Trump’s decision is being widely opposed. Ethan Manuel, director of the land conservation program of the Sierra Club, called it “ignoring the tradition of the natives”. He said, “This is not just a question of a name, it is part of the cultural heritage that the people of Alaska have long preserved.” However, Republican supporters and other Trump supporters have described it as a respect for American history and traditions. Through this decision, Trump has tried to put his administrative policies in front of the public in a new perspective.
Announcement of renaming ‘Gulf of Mexico’ as ‘Gulf of America’
In his inaugural speech, Trump made another big announcement, in which he said that the name of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ will be changed to ‘Gulf of America’. Trump said, “This gulf is important not only for America but also for the global economy. Therefore, its name will now be officially changed to ‘Gulf of America’.” This move has also proved to be equally controversial, with critics calling it an attempt to distort historical and geographical facts. This decision is also being linked to national identity and cultural politics.
Impact of the name change controversy
There has been a long-standing controversy over the name of Mount McKinley or Denali. Alaska natives began demanding official recognition of the name ‘Denali’ in 1975. It is not just a matter of name but also has cultural, historical and environmental significance attached to it.
Experts believe that such decisions can increase tensions between local people and administrative policies. Especially when it conflicts with traditions that have been a part of a community for centuries.