In his second inaugural address, President Donald Trump wasted no time in setting a bold tone for his next term, unveiling an unexpected pledge to rebrand two iconic natural landmarks.
With a flair for shaking up tradition, Trump announced that Alaska’s Denali, North America’s tallest peak, would once again bear the name Mount McKinley, reversing a decision made in 2015 under the Obama administration. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico would henceforth be referred to as the “Gulf of America.”
Denali National Park


The move sparked a flurry of reactions from geographers, historians, and everyday Americans alike. For some, it was a nostalgic nod to history. After all, Mount McKinley (click here to see our best McKinley tour packages), named for the 25th president of the United States, carried that title for over a century before the change to its Indigenous name, Denali – a term meaning “The High One” in the language of the Koyukon Athabaskans. For others, however, the decision seemed like an unnecessary dismissal of Indigenous heritage and the symbolism behind the original name.

During his address, Trump expressed his reasoning with characteristic flair:
We’re making America great again, one landmark at a time. Mount McKinley is a name that represents history, pride, and tremendous patriotism. And the Gulf of America? It’s about time we called it what it truly is.
The announcement follows a series of actions by the president that many see as attempts to reclaim and reframe national identity. Supporters of the decision have lauded it as a move to strengthen American tradition and unity. Critics, however, have pointed out the potential political and cultural ramifications of renaming sites that hold significant meaning for Indigenous communities and international relations.
Gulf of Mexico

It remains to be seen how quickly maps, atlases, and signage will reflect these changes (the official National Parks Service website still says Denali, with an entry fee of $15 per person or $45 per vehicle, for a seven-day pass). Experts suggest the rebranding could have financial ripple effects, as re-singing, marketing and logistical updates might lead to increased operational costs for the park. This could, in turn, impact tourism pricing, potentially making visits less accessible for some travelers.
In the meantime, one thing is certain: Trump’s penchant for branding has extended beyond hotels and golf courses and into the very landscape of the United States.
So, what’s next? Renaming the Rockies, perhaps? In Trump’s America, anything is possible.
Rocky Mountains
