President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at renaming North America's tallest peak, Denali, back to its former name, Mount McKinley, has ignited considerable debate among Alaskans. This move, enacted on January 24, 2025, coincided with Trump’s first day as President, which led to swift action from the Alaska legislature, opposing the name change.
The name Denali, meaning "the high one" in the Koyukon Athabaskan language, has been officially recognized since 2015 when former President Barack Obama designated it during his administration after years of local support. President William McKinley, after whom the mountain was originally named, never even visited Alaska, creating tension between the state and this historical designation.
On January 29, 2025, the Alaska House of Representatives passed a resolution urging Trump to reconsider his executive order, with the vote tally showing 28 members supporting it and 10 opposed. This bipartisan majority, led by House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, articulated their concerns, stating, "The name Denali has become an Alaska landmark. It courses through the business community, it courses through our vernacular at the state level. It’s a part of who we are.”
Rep. Maxine Dibert, the resolution's sponsor, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the cultural importance of Denali, noting, “Denali is not just a name. It’s a symbol of history. It’s a symbol of culture and a symbol of respect.” This backs the notion held by many Alaskans who feel deeply connected to the mountain’s name.
Interestingly, support for Trump remains strong among some residents, complicatively showing division across Alaskan communities. Notably, Rep. Nick Begich, who aligns himself closely with the Trump administration, expressed the divide within the state, pointing out, “Recent polling has shown Alaskans are split on this issue,” but he also recognized the emotional weight it carries, stating, “I understand the passion behind this issue.”
Despite the executive order, the Interior Department moved quickly to affirm Denali’s name within days of Trump’s announcement. Alaska's two U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, voiced their desire to retain the Denali name, with Sullivan honing in on the cultural significance conferred by the Koyukon people, affirming their traditional claim by saying, “We’ll continue the discussions with the Trump administration on [Denali].”
Further complicity arises as some legislators sought to link this resolution to praise Trump for his other executive orders promoting resource development, showcasing the mixed feelings about maximizing Alaskan resources under federal guidance during contentious environmental times.
The vote was not just about the mountain’s name; it was also about the larger identity of Alaska and its people. For many, Denali symbolizes resilience and regional pride. If the name were reverted to Mount McKinley, critics of Trump’s order fear it could erase the longstanding recognition of Native Alaskan cultures and history.
The conversation surrounding the name change isn’t limited to the House. The Alaska Senate is considering similar measures, forming what could become a united front against perceived federal overreach—a sentiment echoed by Edgmon who remarked, “time is of the essence” to send this message to Alaska’s congressional delegation.
While there is no guarantee Trump will heed the voices from Alaska, the prospects of his administration receiving backlash from even the Alaskan Republican establishment could prove significant. The discourse over Denali is emblematic of North Sea identity versus federal narratives, serving as more than just regular political rhetoric.
For now, Alaskans remain poised for confrontation—whether with the Trump administration or internally, over the very essence of what their identity stands for. The future of Denali’s name will likely manifest itself not just through legislation, but through the hearts and voices of those who identify with the majestic mountain.