In a series of executive actions aimed at emphasizing American heritage, President Donald Trump has initiated notable name changes to prominent geographical features. On January 20, 2025, he signed Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which mandates these alterations.
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico
One of the most significant changes is the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” This decision reflects the administration’s intent to underscore the gulf’s importance to the U.S. economy and its role in global commerce. The Department of the Interior announced that this name change is effective immediately for federal use, and efforts are underway to update official records and maps accordingly.
Reinstating Mount McKinley
The executive order also directs the reinstatement of the name “Mount McKinley” for North America’s highest peak, reversing the 2015 decision to rename it “Denali.” The surrounding national park will retain the name “Denali National Park and Preserve.” This move aims to honor President William McKinley and restore historical nomenclature.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names is tasked with updating the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes. Private entities, including mapmakers and educational institutions, are not legally required to adopt the new names, leading to discussions within these communities about how to proceed. For instance, platforms like OpenStreetMap are debating whether to implement the changes, considering factors such as common usage and international recognition.
These renaming initiatives have sparked a range of responses. Supporters view them as a reaffirmation of American heritage, while critics argue that such changes may overlook the cultural and historical significance of the original names. The administration has emphasized that these actions are part of a broader effort to honor American historical figures and reflect national pride in the country’s landmarks.
As these changes are implemented, ongoing discussions about the representation and significance of geographical names in the United States are likely to continue.
