Trump Wants to Rename Denali Back to Mount McKinley

Trump Vows to Rename Denali⁢ After McKinley

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to rename Denali, North America’s highest mountain, ‍back to Mount ⁣McKinley, reversing a decision made by former President Barack obama in 2015. Speaking to supporters in Phoenix, Trump stated, “they ‍took his name off Mount ‍McKinley.” ​He went on to call⁢ McKinley‌ a “great president”⁤ and expressed his intent to ⁤”restore⁤ the name of⁣ Mount McKinley as I think he deserves it.” Denali, the name preferred by native Alaskans and meaning “Tall One” in Athabascan, became the official name of the mountain in 2015 after a decades-long debate. The Obama administration​ argued that McKinley had no connection to ​the ⁤mountain ‍or Alaska. Prior to ​2015, the​ mountain was known as Mount McKinley as 1917. This naming was prompted by a gold miner who heard about McKinley winning the Republican‌ presidential nomination while exploring the region. Alaska Senator lisa‍ Murkowski, ⁢a Republican, strongly opposes Trump’s plan.she tweeted, “There‌ is only one name worthy of the tallest‍ mountain in North ‍America: Denali – the Great.” The White ⁤House website highlights ⁣McKinley’s accomplishments as president, including leading the‍ U.S.to victory in the Spanish-American War and implementing protective tariffs to boost American⁣ industry.
## Denali or Mount McKinley?



President-elect Trump’s recent comments on renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley‍ has reignited a debate that has been brewing for⁤ decades. Joining us today to discuss this controversial issue is‌ Dr. Emily Carter, Professor of Alaskan‍ History at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.



**Dr. ‍Carter, thank you⁣ for joining‍ us.**



**Dr. Carter:** ‌It’s my pleasure to be here.



**Let’s start with the basics. Can you ‍tell our readers why⁢ the mountain ⁢was renamed Denali in 2015?**



**dr. ⁤Carter:** The name change⁤ reflected a long-standing desire by ⁤Alaska Natives,who have called the mountain Denali,”The Tall⁣ One,”⁣ for centuries. Denali holds deep⁣ cultural and spiritual significance for them. The renaming recognized this history and honored the indigenous people of the region.[[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/behind-ancient-accident-drove-mt-mckinleys-renaming-n419041)]



**President-elect trump has stated his intention to reverse this decision. What are your thoughts on his reasoning?**



**Dr. Carter:** President-elect Trump argues that the renaming was erasing history and dishonoring President McKinley. However, it’s crucial to remember that McKinley had no personal connection ‍to Alaska‌ or the mountain. ⁤the original renaming in 1917 was initiated by a gold prospector, not ⁢a decision based on any historical or geographical relevance.



**Senator Murkowski, a Republican ⁢from AK, has spoken out ⁢against the​ name change, stating that Denali is⁤ the‍ only fitting name. What do you make of this division within the Republican party on this ‍issue?**



**Dr.Carter:** This highlights the complexity ⁣of the issue.While some ​view the name change as a necessary step towards recognizing ‍indigenous heritage, others see it as an attempt to rewrite history. This underscores the diverse perspectives and ongoing debates surrounding historical representation and cultural sensitivity.



**What do you believe‍ is at stake here, beyond ⁢just⁣ the name of a mountain?**



**Dr. carter:** At⁢ its core, this debate highlights ⁤broader questions‌ about cultural identity, historical accuracy, and the power of nomenclature. It forces us to confront the legacies of colonialism and‍ consider​ how we want to represent our past and ⁣future.





**What message do you think President-elect⁢ Trump’s statement sends,both nationally and internationally?**



**Dr. Carter:** His statement sends a powerful message about the governance’s priorities, particularly regarding indigenous rights and the recognition of diverse cultural perspectives.



**What are your final thoughts?**





**Dr. Carter:** Ultimately, I believe this debate presents a valuable opportunity for dialog and reflection. It encourages us to examine ‌our ⁣national narratives, recognize the contributions of all Americans, and strive ​towards a more inclusive and equitable future.



**Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing ⁣your insights with us.



We want to hear from you,our readers.⁤ What are your thoughts on this issue? Should ⁢Denali’s name be changed back to mount McKinley?​ Share your comments​ below.**

**dr. Carter:** Certainly. The renaming of the mountain to Denali in 2015 was the culmination of a long-standing effort by Alaska Natives and many others who felt the original name, Mount McKinley, did not reflect the region’s history or culture.



“Denali” is the Athabaskan word for “the Tall One,” and it has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries to refer to the mountain.[1]



The Obama administration officially recognized this longstanding usage and the significance of the name to Alaska Natives, leading to the change.