Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness

2025-01-31Executive Order 14172
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Federal Agencies Directed to Reinstate Mount McKinley and Rename Gulf of Mexico

What it does: Agencies must review Board appointments; the Interior must reinstate Mount McKinley, rename the Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America," and update federal geographic records.

Real World Impact:
  • Federal geographic databases and agency maps will be updated with new names.
  • Agency heads must review and may replace Board appointees within seven days.
  • Alaska Native groups and local organizations will be consulted on landmark names.
Topics: place names, federal agencies, cultural heritage, public lands, coastal economy

Summary

This order directs agency heads to review their appointees to the Board on Geographic Names within seven days, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate the name "Mount McKinley," and directs the Secretary to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," requiring updates to the federal geographic database and federal maps.

It affects federal agencies that use official place names, Alaska Native and local groups who will be consulted about landmark names, and members of the public who rely on federal maps and documents. The stated purpose is to honor American heritage and patriotic figures.

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