Trump wants to rename Denali to Mount McKinley to improve communication and honor tradition.

President-elect Donald Trump announced his desire to change the name of Denali, the highest mountain in North America, back to Mount McKinley. Alaska’s Republican U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, disagreed with Trump’s suggestion, supporting the Koyukon Athabascan place name for the mountain. Denali has been used for centuries by Indigenous people in Alaska. Trump mentioned President William McKinley as a proponent of protective tariffs, which aligned with his own views.

The mountain was originally named Mount McKinley in 1896 but was changed to Denali in 2015 under the Obama administration following efforts by Alaska officials and Native groups. The name “Denali” comes from the Koyukon name meaning “high” or “tall.” Trump had previously suggested changing the name back in 2017, but both Murkowski and Sullivan had also opposed it.

During a speech in Phoenix, Trump reiterated his desire to rename the mountain as a tribute to McKinley’s accomplishments. However, both Alaska senators reiterated their support for the name Denali. Sullivan emphasized the historical significance of the name given by the Athabascan people over 10,000 years ago.

The dispute over the mountain’s name highlights the cultural and historical significance associated with the landmark. For Alaskans, Denali represents more than just a mountain; it symbolizes the rich heritage and traditions of the Indigenous people in the region. The debate surrounding the name change reflects broader discussions on preserving Indigenous language and heritage in modern society.

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