In a series of bold moves on January 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced an executive order concerning the Gulf of Mexico, which he has termed as the ‘Gulf of America.’ This announcement was met with mixed reactions, notably laughter from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who commented during an interview, ‘Only Trump would think renaming a body of water to serve his own narrative is a good idea.’ Trump’s executive order aims to enhance exploration and fishing rights in the Gulf, a body of water that encompasses coastal states from Texas to Florida. He stated, ‘This order will ensure that American interests take precedence and that our citizens can fully benefit from what the Gulf of America has to offer.’ Furthermore, Trump also declared his intent to restore the name Mount McKinley to Denali, emphasizing that the federal government should honor the historical name used by early American settlers. This decision has sparked further debate, particularly among Alaska Natives who have long advocated for the name Denali, meaning ‘the high one’ in the Koyukon language. Trump’s remarks and actions are seen as part of a larger strategy to appeal to his base ahead of the upcoming election cycle, as he continues to remain a pivotal figure in the Republican Party. This latest controversy reflects the ongoing divisions within American politics and the differing views on national identity and heritage.
Trump’s Executive Orders Spark Controversy Over Gulf of Mexico and Denali Namesake
