Fort Myers, located in Florida, lies along the eastern side of the Gulf of Mexico. Getty Images
In a wave of early actions during his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename two major geographical features: the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Mount Denali. The Gulf of Mexico will now be known as the Gulf of America, while Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, will revert to its original name, Mount McKinley.
This decision is part of President Trump's effort to honor "American greatness," according to a preview of the order. The order, which is detailed in a draft, also emphasizes a return to the “pillars of American civilization,” a concept central to the Trump administration. The official renaming process will be overseen by the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, who is also a nominee of Trump and the governor of North Dakota.
Importantly, the order does not dictate what names should be used internationally; the changes will only apply within federal communication systems and official maps. The Gulf of America is described as "pivotal" to maritime industry, energy production, international trade, tourism, fishing, and recreation, underscoring its significance to the U.S. economy.
As for the name of Mount McKinley, it was originally named in honor of President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. The mountain, in fact, had been unofficially named after McKinley by a gold prospector in 1896. It became official in 1917, 16 years after McKinley’s death. Trump’s decision to rename it is rooted in his admiration for McKinley’s legacy. In a rally last December, Trump spoke highly of McKinley, praising him not just for his presidency but also for his success as a businessman. Trump has often expressed a kinship with McKinley, given his own background in business.
In 2015, under the Obama administration, the mountain's name was changed to Denali, which was the name used by the Koyukon people of Alaska. The name change had been a long-standing issue, with Alaska requesting the switch as early as 1975. However, the proposal was blocked by congressional leaders from Ohio, McKinley’s home state. The renaming to Denali was finally made official in 2015, a decision that Trump has now reversed.
Trump had previously mentioned his desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico during a speech on tariffs. He described the Gulf as "beautiful" and said that renaming it the Gulf of America felt "appropriate" and "covers a lot of territory." This move is seen as part of his broader push to celebrate American history and achievements during his presidency.
The executive order is part of a series of actions President Trump has taken to mark the beginning of his presidency, signaling a focus on national pride and historical recognition. These renaming efforts aim to reflect the importance of these natural landmarks to the United States.
