McKinley, Denali, and Trump: Is the President-Elect Trolling Lisa Murkowski?

Denali—Koyukon Athabaskan for “The High One”—is the highest mountain in North America. Up here in the Great Land, Denali is remarkable even among the vastness of this big, mostly wild state. It dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles around. In the image leading this story, taken by my wife, Denali is about 150 miles away, and you can see how it still dominates the horizon.

Lately, Denali has become something of a political football – or, at least, the name has become so. President-elect Donald Trump is talking about changing the mountain’s name back to Mount McKinley, which he can do. But does he have a reason he’s not mentioning? Must Read Alaska’s Suzanne Downing thinks he might be proposing the change to tweak Alaska’s Princess Lisa Murkowski.

Facing almost certain pushback from Sen. Lisa Murkowski on his nominees for cabinet posts and key positions in national security, Trump may have been setting the stage for such an “artful deal” when he said on Sunday that he might change the name of America’s tallest peak to Mount McKinley, the name it was known as since a gold prospector gave it that name in 1896.

Here’s the thing: Everyone up here calls it Denali, and pretty much always has. The Alaska Board of Geographic Names designated it as such in 1975, forty years before President Obama changed the name at the federal level. Also in 1975, the Alaska legislature petitioned the United States Board on Geographic Names to likewise change the name to Denali, but the motion was blocked by an Ohio Congressman, Ralph Regula (R-OH) whose district included President McKinley’s hometown.

Meanwhile, pretty much everyone in the Great Land just went on calling the mountain Denali.

And, yes, it seems likely, as Suzanne points out, that the President-elect is trolling Princess Lisa.

In Alaska, there’s no particular support for such a name change. Although the change from McKinley to Denali was made by President Barack Obama in an executive order in 2015, Alaskans are not pushing for a return of the previous name.

If Trump is trolling Murkowski, she bit hard. 

“There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali – the Great One,” she wrote on X in response to a Reuters news article about Trump’s remarks during the America Fest in Phoenix, a convention of young conservatives.

It seems likely that Trump is engaging in a little distraction here. He is, candidly, something of a master at that, and as he is wont to do, likely, Trump is once again pointing and calling “Squirrel!” And Princess Lisa, predictably, took the bait.


You May Also Like
Trump insiders reveal true story behind $400 million luxury jet from Qatar

Insiders close to Trump disclose the real story about a $400 million private jet gifted from Qatar

A recent report challenges President Donald Trump’s claims regarding Qatar offering him…
Red light cameras: Chicago Heights, Rolling Meadows, Evergreen Park, Hillside, Burbank make millions, but who reviews the tickets?

Who is responsible for checking tickets generated by red light cameras in Chicago Heights, Rolling Meadows, Evergreen Park, Hillside, and Burbank, who collectively generate substantial revenue?

CHICAGO (WLS) — They flash, they fine, and they fuel tens of…
Venezuela news: US Supreme Court allows Trump to strip TPS from some Venezuelans; deportations could follow

US Supreme Court permits Trump to remove TPS from certain Venezuelans; deportations may occur

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration on Monday to…
Van Jones Drops Hammer on Democrats After Biden's Cancer Diagnosis

Van Jones Criticizes Democrats Following Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis

During an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN’s “State of the Union,”…
Convicted cop killer will become 2nd execution in Indiana since 2009

Second Execution in Indiana Since 2009 Scheduled for Convicted Cop Killer

An Indiana man who was convicted of killing a police officer two…
Trump forks over eye-popping amount to Ashli Babbitt's family after she was shot dead in U.S. Capitol on January 6

“Trump provides substantial financial support to Ashli Babbitt’s family following her tragic death at the U.S. Capitol on January 6”

The Trump administration is anticipated to give $5 million to the family…
Chicago White Sox unveil graphic installation honoring Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field, where Robert Prevost attended 2005 World Series

The Chicago White Sox reveal a visual tribute to Pope Leo XIV at Rate Field, in memory of his presence during the 2005 World Series attended by Robert Prevost.

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a graphic installation on Monday…
New Orleans jail escape: Search continues for 6 of 10 men who escaped from Orleans Justice Center, reward for info increases

Search Ongoing for 6 Fugitives from Orleans Justice Center Following Jail Escape

NEW ORLEANS — Following the escape of 10 men from a New…
I'm a diet expert - a common symptom after eating could mean you're at risk of deadly cancer

Eating-Related Symptoms That Could Signal Potential Cancer Risk

A dietitian is advising individuals to seek assistance if they experience coughing…
Trump immigration advisor targets criminals exploiting unaccompanied minors who entered US under Biden

Trump’s immigration aide focuses on stopping criminals taking advantage of unaccompanied minors who entered the US during Biden’s term.

A former Border Patrol chief, tasked with advising on immigration matters concerning…
Mom arrested for 'hiring hitman to kill TV anchor ex' is set free after 17-year-old daughter's extraordinary act

Mother accused of plotting to kill ex-husband news anchor released from custody following daughter’s courageous action

Angelia ‘Angie’ Solomon, a mother from Tennessee, was accused of attempting to…
Massive jail break in New Orleans 'impossible' without staff involvement, says ex-FBI fugitive hunter

Former FBI fugitive tracker claims staff involvement was necessary for the “impossible” large prison escape in New Orleans

According to a former FBI agent with a decade of experience hunting…