Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the U.S. Interior Department has announced two significant name changes: The Gulf of Mexico will now be referred to as the Gulf of America, and Denali, North America’s tallest peak, has been officially renamed Mount McKinley. In a press release, the Interior Department stated that the renaming efforts are part of a broader initiative to honor America’s heritage. “These changes reaffirm the Nation’s commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States and ensuring that future generations of Americans celebrate the legacy of its heroes and historic assets,” the statement read. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has updated all official records and references in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the new names. The updates have since taken effect for all maps in the US. While the changes will apply to U.S. locations, the Interior Department acknowledged that other nations are not obligated to adopt the new names. This is particularly relevant for the Gulf of America, as the body of water is shared with Mexico with other nations.
The Gulf of Mexico, now referred to as the Gulf of America in U.S. federal contexts, has long been a shared geographic and economic benefit between the United States and Mexico. Both nations have extensive coastlines bordering the Gulf and share a boundary that begins at the Rio Grande River. The U.S. State Department defines this maritime border as a line dividing jurisdiction over the waters. While the U.S. controls its portion of the Gulf, Mexico maintains control over its side. Despite the name change, the practical effects of this border and the Gulf’s shared resources remain unchanged. The decision to rename the Gulf has already sparked reactions. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held a press conference standing before a 17th-century map, humorously suggesting that North America should be renamed “Mexican America.” Critics have called the renaming a symbolic move that does little to address substantive issues related to US-Mexico relations, including ongoing concerns over immigration cooperation in the region.
On the other hand, the decision to revert Denali to its former name, Mount McKinley, has been a debate that dates back over a century. Originally named after President William McKinley in 1896, the peak has long been referred to as Denali by Alaska Natives. The name Denali, meaning “The High One” holds deep cultural significance for Alaska’s Indigenous people. President Barack Obama had officially restored the mountain’s traditional name during his presidency, Denali, in an effort to honor Native Alaskan heritage. This decision was celebrated by many in Alaska and across the country as a step toward recognizing Indigenous contributions and history. However, President Trump’s executive order to revert the name back to Mount McKinley has drawn sharp criticism. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a longtime advocate for the name Denali, issued a statement condemning the decision. “You can’t improve upon the name that Alaska’s Koyukon Athabascans bestowed on North America’s tallest peak, Denali – the Great One,” Murkowski said. The renaming of Denali to Mount McKinley and the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America reflect broader political and cultural debates over heritage, identity, and historical narratives in the United States. Supporters of these changes argue that they highlight the importance of celebrating American history and honoring figures like President McKinley. However, critics view these moves as unnecessary and divisive, erasing the contributions of Indigenous peoples and overlooking the significance of shared geographic and cultural resources like the Gulf of Mexico. The timing of these decisions, coming during an election, has also led some to question whether they are politically motivated.
The controversy surrounding these changes is symbolic of a broader tension in the U.S. between preserving traditional symbols of American history and recognizing the diverse voices and histories that make up the nation. The renaming of Denali, for instance, was seen as a step forward in acknowledging the heritage of Alaska’s Indigenous people, while the current reversal raises concerns about erasing that progress. Similarly, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico may resonate with certain segments of the American public who prioritize national pride, but it also risks alienating Mexico, a key economic and geopolitical partner.
As the Interior Department moves forward with implementing these changes, it remains to be seen how they will be received by the American public and the international community. For now, the names Gulf of America and Mount McKinley will appear on all official U.S. federal documents, maps, and resources. Whether these changes endure or face challenges in the future, they highlight the power of names to shape perceptions of history.
Sources:
http://doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-advances-restoration-historic-names-honoring-american-greatness
https://www.npr.org/live-updates/trump-inauguration-day-2025
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-president-trolls-trump-us-should-be-renamed-mexican-america/
