WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to rename several famous US landmarks, promoting “American greatness.”
Honoring Heritage and American Heroes
The order emphasizes preserving America’s heritage and honoring historical figures through landmark names. Trump aims to ensure future generations recognize American achievements.
“It is vital to celebrate our Nation’s extraordinary heritage and honor American heroes,” states the order.
Renaming Mount McKinley
The order focuses on restoring the name of Alaska’s highest peak, Mount McKinley, renamed Denali by Barack Obama in 2015. Trump’s action describes Obama’s change as disrespectful to President William McKinley’s legacy.
McKinley, assassinated during his presidency, is credited for his advocacy of tariffs and strong leadership during an era of national progress. Trump’s order calls McKinley’s contributions a testament to “our Nation’s success and values.”
The executive action also encourages collaboration with Alaska Native entities to ensure other landmarks respect the region’s history and culture.
Gulf of Mexico Becomes Gulf of America
In a bold move, the order renames the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” Trump described the Gulf as critical to the US economy, asserting the new name reflects its importance.
The order directs federal agencies to update maps and documents to reflect this change.
Overhauling the Geographic Naming Process
Trump’s action challenges the US Board on Geographic Names, responsible for maintaining uniform place names. It calls for reviewing the current members of the board and replacing some appointees if necessary.
The aim is to ensure decisions align with the administration’s vision of preserving historical significance and honoring American greatness.
Controversial Reactions to Renaming
Critics argue that the renaming decisions ignore cultural sensitivities and longstanding community preferences. Supporters, however, praise Trump’s focus on national pride and economic contributions.
As these renaming efforts unfold, debates are expected about balancing heritage preservation with diverse cultural representation.
