Trump Moves to Rename More US Landmarks, Sparking Debate Over National Identity

Former President Donald Trump has once again made headlines by renaming another iconic US landmark, a move that has ignited political and cultural debate across the nation.

The latest renaming effort includes restoring Mount McKinley’s name, reversing its 2015 designation as Denali, and proposing a name change for the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

While Trump and his supporters argue that these changes are about “honoring American heritage,” critics, including Indigenous groups and state leaders, claim the renaming erases cultural significance and disrupts historical recognition.

For the official government statement on the renaming efforts, visit Gov.uk Place Name Designations.

Trump’s Landmark Renaming Initiatives

1. Mount McKinley vs. Denali – Name Reversal in Alaska

One of the most controversial changes is the reversion of Denali—North America’s tallest mountain—back to Mount McKinley.

Historical Context:

• The mountain was named Denali by Alaska’s Indigenous Koyukon Athabaskan people for thousands of years.
• In 1896, a prospector named it Mount McKinley after William McKinley, the 25th U.S. President.
• In 2015, President Barack Obama’s administration officially changed the name back to Denali, recognizing its Indigenous roots.
• In January 2025, Trump reversed Obama’s decision, citing McKinley’s importance in US history.

Reaction:

• Alaskan state officials and Indigenous leaders have strongly opposed the renaming, vowing to continue using “Denali.”
• Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) stated: “No matter what Trump calls it, Alaskans will always call it Denali.”
• The National Park Service (NPS) is reviewing how the change will impact signage and visitor materials.

More details on US mountain naming policies are available at US Board on Geographic Names.

2. Gulf of America? Trump’s Bold Move to Rename the Gulf of Mexico

Perhaps the most surprising name change proposal under Trump’s initiative is the rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

What’s the Rationale?

• Trump claims the name change is about “Americanizing geography” and “reducing foreign influence on US coastal identity.”
• The move comes amid ongoing tensions with Mexico over border policies and trade agreements.

Reaction:

• Geographers and historians have dismissed the proposal as impractical and historically inaccurate.
• The Mexican government has formally protested the proposal, calling it an attempt to “erase cultural ties to the region.”
• Google Maps and Apple Maps have declined to update the name, stating they will wait for formal government action.

For official details on US coastal naming conventions, visit US Geographic Naming Authority.

3. Fort Benning Restored After Military Base Name Changes

Trump has also moved to reverse military base name changes initiated under President Joe Biden.

Recent Change:

• Fort Moore (Georgia) has been reverted back to Fort Benning, its previous name before being changed in 2023.
• The original renaming was part of an effort to remove Confederate-linked base names, but Trump argues that historical military figures should be honored regardless of their era.

Military and Public Response:

• Veteran organizations remain divided on the issue, with some welcoming the reversion and others supporting efforts to remove Confederate-era names.
• The Pentagon has not formally confirmed whether further military base name changes will be reversed.

For updates on military base naming policies, visit US Department of Defense.

Economic and Logistical Impacts of the Renaming Spree

Renaming national landmarks and places is not just a political decision—it also comes with huge costs.

• Costs to Update Signage and Maps: National parks, highways, and GPS services will require millions of dollars to update signs, maps, and navigation systems.
• Tourism & Branding Impacts: Local tourism businesses relying on names like “Denali” now face marketing changes and financial uncertainty.
• Confusion for Travelers & Historians: Frequent name changes could cause confusion for future generations studying US history.

According to USGS Data, renaming efforts across federal landmarks and military bases could cost taxpayers over $10 million.

Public and Political Reactions

The renaming efforts have fueled debate across political and cultural circles.

Supporters Say:

• Trump is “restoring traditional American names.”
• Military bases and landmarks should reflect US history and leadership.

Critics Argue:

• The changes erase Indigenous and local identities.
• Resources should be used for more pressing issues, not renaming projects.

Meanwhile, public polls show mixed opinions, with 51% of Americans opposing renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley, while 32% support it.

Final Thoughts: Will These Name Changes Last?

As the debate over renaming US landmarks continues, legal challenges and political pushback may prevent some changes from taking effect.

What Comes Next?

• The US Congress may challenge some of the renaming orders.
• The US Board on Geographic Names will determine whether Mount McKinley and Gulf of America changes will be officially recognized.
• Tourism and Indigenous advocacy groups will continue pushing back against politically driven name changes.

For the latest government decisions on US landmark names, visit National Park Service.

What do you think about Trump’s renaming initiatives? Should these changes stay? Let us know in the comments!

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