Trump’s Bold Executive Orders on Day One: Renaming Denali and More
When President Donald Trump took the oath of office once again on January 20, 2025, he wasted no time in issuing a series of executive orders, signaling his intent to reverse key policies from the previous administration. Among the most striking decisions was the renaming of Alaska's Denali mountain back to its former name, Mount McKinley. This executive order, signed within hours of his return to the White House, highlights a return to some of Trump’s signature policies during his first term, while also touching on issues of national pride, history, and the legacy of past presidents.
The renaming of Denali was not a random gesture but a direct move to honor President William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States. Trump has frequently praised McKinley, particularly for his strong stance on tariffs, which aligns with Trump’s own economic policies. McKinley’s introduction of the McKinley Tariff in 1890, which dramatically raised taxes on foreign products, is a policy Trump admires, believing that similar measures could benefit America’s economic future.
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However, the renaming of Denali was a controversial move. The mountain, which is the highest peak in North America, was officially named Mount McKinley in 1917, but for the Koyukon Athabaskan people, who have lived in the region for centuries, the mountain has always been Denali, meaning “The Great One.” This name was used for thousands of years and was finally restored to its original name in 2015 during the Obama administration. Despite local objections, Trump’s decision to revert the name has reignited debates over historical recognition and the importance of honoring indigenous traditions.
In addition to the Denali name change, Trump issued an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." This was another significant and highly symbolic move aimed at reaffirming American sovereignty and pride. Trump’s reasoning for the change, which he stated publicly, was to send a message about immigration, particularly with Mexico, which he had described as "a very dangerous place."
Trump’s inauguration day was marked by several other high-profile executive actions, including efforts to curtail climate policies and revoke key actions by the Biden administration. The move to rename geographical landmarks is just one of the many ways Trump is asserting his vision for the country, taking bold steps to restore what he believes are fundamental aspects of American identity.
As these decisions unfold, many critics, especially those from Alaska, argue that the renaming of Denali undermines the historical significance of the name as chosen by the indigenous Koyukon people. These debates are far from over and will likely shape the political discourse in the coming months. Nevertheless, Trump’s bold executive orders are a clear indication that his second term will involve a series of sweeping changes designed to align the nation more closely with his vision of American greatness.
Through these actions, Trump has set a clear tone for his presidency, focusing on restoring what he sees as traditional American values and history, even when such actions spark controversy or face legal challenges. Whether or not these moves will gain widespread acceptance remains to be seen, but they certainly mark a significant moment in his political career and a defining moment in his presidency.
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