Staff Reports
In 2015, then-President Obama decided to flex his executive muscle by renaming Mt. McKinley to “Denali,” the Athabascan term meaning “High One.” While many Alaskans celebrated this act of cultural sensitivities, a sensible number of Americans—especially those rooting for the triumph of tradition over tokenism—were hardly impressed. After all, the mountain had been named after gold prospector William Dickey back in 1896, an era when America was making its mark, not erasing it.
As the new administration settles in, President Trump is signaling a potential return to the mountain’s original name. This sparks joy among certain conservatives who see this as a necessary reclamation of American history from the clutches of the political left. Unsurprisingly, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Democrat masquerading as an independent voice for Alaska, is staunchly opposed, labeling Trump’s idea as “awful.” She should know awful—after all, her political career is a monument to how to lose a Republican primary and still manage to sit in the Senate thanks to a write-in campaign. It appears her allegiance lies with the unelected teachers’ unions rather than the Alaskan people she claims to serve.
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In 2015, President Obama changed the name of Mt. McKinley to Denali, honoring the native Athabascan name. This decision has faced opposition, notably from President Trump, who aims to revert it back to Mt. McKinley. Critics argue that the name change…— The America One News (@am1_news) January 13, 2025
Sen. Dan Sullivan, a supposed Republican, also seems to align himself with Murkowski’s misguided perspective, declaring that “Denali belongs to Alaska and its citizens.” Well, it might come as a surprise to them that it’s owned by the federal government, supported by the taxpayers from the other 49 states who fund the upkeep and management of the national park. The disconnect between lawmakers and legal realities is mind-boggling, reinforcing the stereotype that many Congress members don’t understand the laws they pass—or the implications of their policies.
While some might champion cultural humility toward the Athabascan people with the name change, the real agenda comes across much clearer. Underneath the veil of respect and gratitude, the efforts to rename mountains and landmarks scream of an anti-Western deracinating zeal that seeks to obscure the legacy of Western civilization. At the time of the name change, Murkowski thanked Obama for this so-called significant shift, which was not about honoring native traditions but rather about an ideological battle against what they consider overreaching Western influence.
One must wonder, what have the Athabascans contributed to warrant such culturally invasive gratitude? A quick look at notable figures doesn’t yield much, aside from a transgender songwriter who has turned the complexities of modern identity into a catchy tune for a public radio contest—certainly nothing that could rival the monumental achievements of the West. But as the left attempts to redefine the narratives of history, advocates for the original name of Mt. McKinley see it as their duty to resist this cultural cleansing.
The reality of visiting Alaska and its significant landmarks is a testament to the achievements of Western culture—from the airports and roads that bring in tourists to the hotels that provide comfort and safety, all are products of a system built on free-market principles. Should anyone choose to take on the majestic mountain, it won’t be with superstition or ancient spiritual rituals but with modern technology that showcases human ingenuity. Whether or not President Trump acts on restoring the mountain’s name is yet to unfold, but the assertion of rights is fundamental for those who understand and cherish the legacy of America’s history.
