Former President Donald Trump has reignited debate over Alaska’s iconic mountain by pledging to revert its official name from Denali back to Mount McKinley if he returns to the White House. The announcement has drawn both support and criticism, with Alaska’s senators calling the proposal misguided.
Trump, speaking at a rally, argued that restoring the mountain’s former name would honor the legacy of President William McKinley, for whom the peak was named in 1917. “Mount McKinley is a symbol of American greatness,” Trump said. “It’s time to bring back a name that reflects our nation’s history.”
Denali, the mountain’s original name used by Indigenous Alaskans for centuries, was officially reinstated in 2015 under the Obama administration, a move widely celebrated by Native communities and many Alaskans. The name means “The High One” in Koyukon Athabaskan and holds deep cultural significance.
Alaska’s bipartisan Senate delegation, however, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s proposal. Senator Lisa Murkowski described the plan as an “awful idea,” emphasizing that the name Denali reflects the mountain’s true heritage and significance to the state’s Indigenous people. Senator Dan Sullivan echoed her sentiments, calling the change unnecessary and divisive.
Supporters of Trump’s proposal argue that McKinley’s name recognizes an important historical figure and should not be erased. Critics counter that the move disregards the cultural importance of the name Denali and could alienate Indigenous communities.
The controversy over the mountain’s name highlights broader debates about how the U.S. reconciles its historical narratives with the acknowledgment of Indigenous heritage. As Trump continues to make headlines with his bold promises, this latest proposal adds yet another layer to the ongoing cultural and political conversation.