Significant Changes to Geographic Names to Reflect an American-Centric Focus
Former President Donald Trump signed an order renaming two prominent geographic landmarks in the United States, marking a significant first-day administrative action. The directive’s goals are:
- The Gulf of Mexico, to be renamed “Gulf of America”
- Denali North America’s highest peak, to revert to “Mount McKinley
The goal of these geographic name changes is to honor historical persons who Trump feels exemplify the greatness of the country and strengthen American Identity.
Executive Order Details on Geographic Name Changes
According to the New York Post’s anticipation of the directive, “American greatness” is the main driving force for these modification. The directive’s main points include:
- Instructions to the Secretary of the Interior to implement name changes in federal communications
- Updates required for official U.S. government maps
- No impact on international naming
Although federal documentation will reflect these modifications, the sites’ international significance will remain unaffected.
The Historical Background of Changes in Geographic Names
A convoluted political journey is reflected in the mountain’s naming history:
- Mount McKinley was first established in 1917 as a tribute to President William McKinley
- Nicknamed by a gold prospector, which has unofficially carried McKinley’s name since 1896
- President Obama recognized the traditional Koyukon Athabaskan name in 2015 and changed it to Denali
- In 1975, Ohio’s congressional delegation apposed Alaska’s attempt to change the name of Denali
This history of contested naming highlights the importance of these geographic features and their symbolic significance in American history and identity.
The President’s View on Changes to Geographic Names
Trump’s involvement in these developments seems to be both political and personal. He praised President McKinley during a rally in December, calling him “a great president, very good president…a very successful businessman.” The renaming of the Gulf was previously brought up in a tariff speech in which Trump lauded the “Gulf of America” for having a “a beautiful ring.”
Putting Geographic Name Changes into Practice and Their Effects
Doug Burgum, the nominee for interior secretary, is instructed under the presidential order to supervise its presidential order to supervise is execution. Although the modifications will impact federal communications and documents, they won’t have an impact on:
- International usage of the names
- Private sector naming conventions
- Global geographic references
The order highlights McKinley’s record of “protecting America’s interests and generating enormous wealth for our nation” and characterizes the Gulf as “pivotal” in a number of industries, including energy production, international commerce, tourism, and recreation.