President-elect Trump has reiterated his pledge to revert the name of North America's tallest peak from Denali back to Mount McKinley, a decision made by former President Obama in 2015. The mountain, standing at 20,320 feet, was originally named Mount McKinley in 1896 by gold prospector William Dickey in honor of President William McKinley, a Republican known for his support of tariffs.
Trump's promise to undo Obama's action was made during a speech at a conservative conference in Phoenix, where he also mentioned McKinley's Ohio roots and the perceived insult to the state. Additionally, Trump vowed to reverse the renaming of military bases in the South that were previously named after Confederate figures.
Despite Trump's stance, many Alaskans, including GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan, have expressed support for retaining the name Denali, which holds cultural significance to Alaskan Natives. Murkowski emphasized the historical and symbolic importance of the name 'The Great One' for North America's tallest mountain.
Former Rep. Ralph Regula of Ohio, who opposed the name change during his time in Congress, criticized Obama's decision, calling it dictatorial. Regula's efforts to prevent the name change were rooted in his district's connection to McKinley. However, some Ohio officials, like Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, have shown respect for Alaskans' preferences regarding the mountain's name.
The debate over the name of the peak reflects a clash between historical significance and cultural heritage, with differing opinions on whether to honor McKinley's legacy or respect the traditional name bestowed by Alaskan Natives. As the discussion continues, the fate of Denali's name remains a point of contention between political figures and local communities.
