Trump Administration Makes Good on Campaign Promise, Renames Gulf of Mexico and Alaska’s Denali
The Trump administration has taken swift action to fulfill one of its campaign promises, officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Denali to Mount McKinley.
Executive Actions and Reactions
President Donald Trump signed the executive actions just hours after taking office, making good on a promise made during his presidential campaign. The Interior Department issued a statement confirming the name changes, citing Trump’s directive. Alaska’s Denali, the state’s tallest peak, had previously been renamed from Mount McKinley in 1975, but Trump’s administration has decided to restore its original name.
Renaming Alaska’s Denali
Denali, meaning "tall" in the Koyukon Indigenous language, had been called Mount McKinley since its renaming in 1975, in honor of former U.S. President William McKinley. However, the Trump administration believes that restoring its original name is a way to "celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets," according to the Interior Department’s statement.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
The name change for the Gulf of Mexico is unlikely to be recognized internationally, as it is already internationally recognized and used as a maritime navigational reference. Mexico, which has a long coastline surrounding the Gulf, has consistently referred to it by its current name and is unlikely to adopt the new name.
Mexico’s Reaction
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum jokingly suggested renaming North America, including the United States, "Mexican America" earlier this month. The idea is based on an early map of the region, which used the term "Mexican America" to refer to the continent.
Consequences and Concerns
While the name changes may be symbolic, they raise questions about the potential impact on international relations, particularly with Mexico. The name change may also spark controversy and debate among Indigenous communities and other stakeholders who may have cultural or historical connections to the renamed regions.
FAQs
Q: Can the name change be recognized internationally?
A: Unlikely, as the Gulf of Mexico is already internationally recognized and used as a maritime navigational reference.
Q: Why did Trump order the name change?
A: To "celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets" and make good on a campaign promise.
Q: How does this affect Mexico?
A: Mexico is unlikely to adopt the new name, and may see it as an attempt to rewrite history.
Q: What about Alaska’s Denali?
A: The name change from Denali to Mount McKinley is seen as a way to restore the mountain’s original name, in honor of former U.S. President William McKinley.