President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse President Barack Obama's 2015 decision to rename America's tallest peak from Mount McKinley to Denali.

Trump’s pledge to restore the name Mount McKinley comes as a response to the Obama administration’s 2015 decision to rename the peak Denali, honoring the local native community’s preference, and the decision has sparked a debate over historical recognition and local identity, as the New York Post reports.

The 20,310-foot peak, located in Denali National Park and Preserve in south-central Alaska, was known as Mount McKinley since 1917, named in honor of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, had no direct connection to the mountain itself, but his legacy was honored with the naming of the peak after his election.

In 2015, President Obama issued an executive order changing the name to Denali, a term used by the local Athabascan people meaning “The High One.” The name change was part of a broader push from the state of Alaska to officially recognize Denali as the correct name for the peak.

Obama's order was also motivated by a desire to honor the preferences of Alaska’s native communities. The Athabascan people had long used the name Denali for the mountain, and the state of Alaska officially adopted the name in 1975. However, the renaming was controversial, especially among those who felt it disrespected McKinley’s legacy.

Trump's Stand on Restoring Name

In a speech to supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump made it clear that he planned to reverse Obama's decision. "They took his name off Mount McKinley," Trump told the crowd, referring to the renaming of the peak.

Trump continued, "He was a great president," referring to McKinley’s leadership, and elaborated that restoring the name would be a way to honor McKinley’s achievements. "That’s one of the reasons that we’re going to bring back the name of Mount McKinley because I think he deserves it," Trump stated.

The president-elect praised McKinley’s role in advancing the U.S. economy by raising protective tariffs to promote industry and leading the country to victory in the Spanish-American War in 1898. Trump’s remarks reflect his belief that McKinley’s contributions to the nation should be celebrated.

Alaska's Reaction and Historical Context

The renaming decision has sparked debate in Alaska, where local leaders have different views on the issue. In a March 2017 meeting with Alaska’s Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Trump discussed the name change. Both senators strongly opposed the reversal, with Sullivan recalling their impassioned objection to the proposal.

"Lisa -- Sen. Murkowski -- and I jumped over the desk," Sullivan said. "We said no, no!" The two senators argued that keeping Denali would better honor Alaska’s native heritage and reflect the state's preferences. Despite their efforts, Trump has maintained his position that Mount McKinley should be restored to its original name.

While Alaska’s Republican senators expressed their opposition to reversing the name change, many local native groups and Alaskan residents feel strongly about retaining the name Denali. These groups emphasize the cultural significance of the term Denali, which they associate with the area’s indigenous history.

Legacy of President William McKinley

McKinley’s presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, including leading the nation to victory in the Spanish-American War. His administration’s foreign policy and economic reforms helped shape America’s growing influence on the global stage in the late 19th century.

The contributions of McKinley, particularly in promoting U.S. industry through tariff policies, have earned him a place in American history. However, critics argue that renaming the mountain to Denali reflects a broader cultural shift toward honoring indigenous heritage, rather than the legacy of a president who had no direct ties to Alaska.

For Trump, restoring the name is not just about honoring McKinley but also about preserving American history and tradition. He has made it clear that he believes McKinley deserves recognition, despite the controversy surrounding the name change.

Debate Continues Over Name Change

As the debate over the name of America’s tallest mountain continues, it raises broader questions about how historical figures and indigenous communities are remembered. The decision to reverse Obama’s renaming of Mount McKinley reflects the ongoing national conversation about cultural identity, historical recognition, and how best to balance these competing interests.

Trump’s stance on the issue has resonated with some who believe that McKinley’s legacy should be honored. However, it has also alienated those who feel that the name Denali better reflects the cultural and historical ties of Alaska’s native populations.

In the coming years, it remains to be seen how this controversy will evolve and whether Mount McKinley will indeed regain its original name. For now, Trump has made it clear that restoring the mountain’s name to McKinley is one of his priorities once he assumes office.

Looking Toward Future of Mountain

While the name of the peak continues to be a point of contention, it is important to note that the official designation of Denali was made in the context of a larger effort to address the cultural significance of Alaska’s native communities. The renaming was part of a move to elevate the voices of indigenous people in the region, giving them greater recognition in both state and federal matters.

As the dispute over the name continues, both sides will likely continue to advocate for their positions, citing the importance of historical preservation and cultural respect. Whether Mount McKinley will be restored to its original name or if Denali will continue to stand as the official designation of America’s tallest peak remains uncertain, but the conversation surrounding it is far from over.

Trump’s vow to undo the name change reflects a desire to reaffirm historical narratives that he believes are important to American identity. For many Alaskans, however, the name Denali is a powerful symbol of indigenous heritage that cannot be easily overlooked.