Bucking Trump order, GOP Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan push to change Mount McKinley’s name back to Denali

The Great Name Debate: Denali vs. Mount McKinley

The tallest mountain in North America, a natural wonder revered for its majesty and cultural significance, has been at the center of a decades-long naming controversy. In recent years, the debate has intensified, with political figures on both sides weighing in. Following President Donald Trump’s executive order to revert the mountain’s name to Mount McKinley, Alaska’s senior senator, Lisa Murkowski, reintroduced legislation to officially restore its name to Denali. This back-and-forth over the mountain’s name reflects deeper cultural, historical, and political tensions, with Alaskans steadfast in their preference for Denali, a name deeply rooted in Indigenous heritage.

A Name Steeped in History and Culture

The name Denali originates from the Koyukon Athabascan people, who have called the region home for centuries. To them, the mountain is “The Great One,” a name that reflects its awe-inspiring scale and spiritual significance. For many Alaskans, the name Denali is more than a label; it is a connection to the land’s Indigenous history and identity. Murkowski, a long-time advocate for the name Denali, has emphasized that this issue transcends politics. “In Alaska, it’s Denali,” she said, highlighting the state’s collective preference. Her legislation aims to honor the mountain’s cultural legacy while respecting the will of the Alaskan people.

The Political Battle Over the Mountain’s Name

The naming controversy gained national attention during President Barack Obama’s administration, when the mountain was officially renamed Denali in 2015. This decision followed years of advocacy by Alaska’s congressional delegation and Indigenous groups. However, the name change was short-lived. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order reversing the decision, restoring the name Mount McKinley in honor of President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. Trump’s order also directed the Interior Secretary to update federal maps and databases to reflect the change. While the Denali National Park and Preserve retained its name, the mountain itself was once again referred to as Mount McKinley.

The renaming has been a polarizing issue, with supporters of Mount McKinley arguing that it honors a significant figure in American history. President McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, was known for his leadership during the Spanish-American War and his commitment to industrial and economic growth. Proponents of the name Mount McKinley view it as a way to pay tribute to his legacy. However, critics argue that the name Denali carries greater cultural and historical weight, particularly for Alaska’s Indigenous communities.

The Role of Alaska’s Senators in the Debate

Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both Republicans from Alaska, have been vocal advocates for the name Denali. Murkowski, who reintroduced the legislation to restore the name, has been involved in this issue for over a decade. In 2015, she worked alongside Sullivan, then a freshman senator, to push for the name change during the Obama administration. Sullivan, whose wife is Athabascan, has also shared personal insights into the cultural significance of Denali. In a 2017 interview, he recalled a conversation with Trump, in which the former president expressed interest in changing the name back to Mount McKinley. Sullivan said he warned Trump that doing so would upset his wife and other Alaskans, prompting Trump to reconsider.

Despite their efforts, Murkowski and Sullivan have faced challenges in their quest to make Denali the official name. The issue has been further complicated by the broader political climate, with Murkowski being one of the few Republican senators who voted to convict Trump following his impeachment in 2021. While the Senate vote ultimately failed to meet the threshold for conviction, Murkowski’s stance underscored the complexities of navigating bipartisan issues in Washington.

The Broader Implications of the Name Change

The debate over Denali versus Mount McKinley extends beyond a simple name change. It reflects broader tensions between federal authority and state sovereignty, as well as the ongoing struggle to recognize and honor Indigenous cultures. For many Alaskans, the name Denali is not just a preference but a matter of cultural pride and identity. The Koyukon Athabascan people, who have lived in the region for generations, view the name as a recognition of their heritage and a step toward reconciliation. In contrast, supporters of Mount McKinley argue that the name is a tribute to a significant figure in American history and should not be dismissed.

The controversy has also sparked conversations about the importance of preserving Indigenous languages and traditions. The name Denali is not only a word but also a symbol of resilience and the enduring connection between Alaska’s Indigenous communities and the land. By advocating for the name Denali, Murkowski and Sullivan are not just fighting for a name; they are championing the rights of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples to see their history and culture reflected in the nation’s geography.

A Legacy of Conflict and Continuity

The debate over the mountain’s name is far from over. While Murkowski’s legislation aims to restore the name Denali, the political landscape in Washington remains uncertain. The issue has been further complicated by Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America, a move that has sparked its own set of controversies. Despite the challenges, Murkowski remains committed to her cause, driven by the belief that the name Denali is a reflection of Alaska’s identity and its connection to the land.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the mountain’s name carries deep cultural, historical, and political significance. Whether it is known as Denali or Mount McKinley, the mountain itself remains a timeless symbol of natural beauty and wonder. For Alaskans, the name Denali is more than a label; it is a testament to the state’s Indigenous heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions in the face of changing political tides.

Ultimately, the fight over the mountain’s name is a microcosm of broader issues in American society, from the recognition of Indigenous rights to the balance of power between federal and state governments. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the mountain stands as a enduring symbol of resilience and unity, regardless of the name it bears.