Focus on the BIG picture.
Thursday, Mar 12, 2026
Outside the box.
President Trump Reinstates Historic Names Celebrating American Greatness
The executive order restores the name 'Mount McKinley' and changes the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America,' honoring American heritage and historical contributions.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order focused on reinstating names and titles that celebrate the legacy of America's historical figures and national accomplishments.
The order mandates specific modifications to federal naming conventions, underscoring the administration's dedication to acknowledging American greatness.
Key Elements of the Executive Order
Restoration of 'Mount McKinley'
The order restores the name 'Mount McKinley' for North America's tallest peak, overturning its 2015 renaming to Denali. It highlights President William McKinley's legacy, who led the nation to triumph in the Spanish-American War and spurred significant economic and industrial growth.
The surrounding region will continue to be known as Denali National Park and Preserve.
The Secretary of the Interior is instructed to update all federal references and collaborate with Alaskan entities for cultural and historical consistency.
Renaming of the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America'
The order officially renames the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America,' emphasizing its crucial role in the nation's economic and cultural history.
The Gulf is integral to substantial oil and gas production, vibrant fisheries, and key maritime industries.
Federal agencies are tasked with incorporating the new name into all official documents, maps, and contracts.
This renaming highlights the region's contributions to the nation's progress and continued prosperity.
Actions for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
The President has directed federal agencies to evaluate appointments to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, ensuring they align with the policy of honoring American heroes and historical impacts.
The Board is instructed to offer guidance on name changes and amend federal naming standards as needed.
The order also calls for the provisional adoption of names approved by the Board for federal use pending Congressional approval, if required.
Additional Instructions
The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with gathering public input to identify more American heroes and historical figures for recognition in preparation for the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration.
Recommendations will be presented to the President for consideration.
This executive action reinforces the administration’s vision of honoring America’s historical figures and safeguarding the nation’s cultural and economic heritage.
The directive emphasizes national pride and acknowledgment of the significant achievements that have shaped the United States.
The order mandates specific modifications to federal naming conventions, underscoring the administration's dedication to acknowledging American greatness.
Key Elements of the Executive Order
Restoration of 'Mount McKinley'
The order restores the name 'Mount McKinley' for North America's tallest peak, overturning its 2015 renaming to Denali. It highlights President William McKinley's legacy, who led the nation to triumph in the Spanish-American War and spurred significant economic and industrial growth.
The surrounding region will continue to be known as Denali National Park and Preserve.
The Secretary of the Interior is instructed to update all federal references and collaborate with Alaskan entities for cultural and historical consistency.
Renaming of the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America'
The order officially renames the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America,' emphasizing its crucial role in the nation's economic and cultural history.
The Gulf is integral to substantial oil and gas production, vibrant fisheries, and key maritime industries.
Federal agencies are tasked with incorporating the new name into all official documents, maps, and contracts.
This renaming highlights the region's contributions to the nation's progress and continued prosperity.
Actions for the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
The President has directed federal agencies to evaluate appointments to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, ensuring they align with the policy of honoring American heroes and historical impacts.
The Board is instructed to offer guidance on name changes and amend federal naming standards as needed.
The order also calls for the provisional adoption of names approved by the Board for federal use pending Congressional approval, if required.
Additional Instructions
The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with gathering public input to identify more American heroes and historical figures for recognition in preparation for the U.S. semiquincentennial celebration.
Recommendations will be presented to the President for consideration.
This executive action reinforces the administration’s vision of honoring America’s historical figures and safeguarding the nation’s cultural and economic heritage.
The directive emphasizes national pride and acknowledgment of the significant achievements that have shaped the United States.
