House Republicans Want To Put Donald Trump’s Name On Major Airport

April 02, 2024

A group of House Republicans wants to rename a prominent Washington, DC area airport after former President Donald Trump.

So just reimagine Washington Dulles International Airport as the ‘Donald Trump International Airport.’

‘Donald J. Trump International Airport’

The effort is being led by House Majority Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler. His bill would put Trump’s name on Washington Dulles International Airport.

From Townhall, “The brief bill text — if it makes it through the rest of the legislative machinations of D.C. — would make the name change official and require “[a]ny reference in any law, regulation, map, document, paper, or other record of the United States” to IAD “considered a reference to the Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

Reschenthaler explained his reasoning behind the bill in an interview with Fox News.

“In my lifetime, our nation has never been greater than under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump. As millions of domestic and international travelers fly through the airport, there is no better symbol of freedom, prosperity and strength than hearing ‘Welcome to Trump International Airport’ as they land on American soil.”

The legislation is co-sponsored by House Republicans Reps. Michael Waltz, Andy Ogles, Chuck Fleishmann, Paul Gosar, Barry Moore and Troy Nehls. It was introduced on March 29.

When ‘National’ Airport Became ‘Ronald Reagan’

There is obviously precedent for this as many airports are named after presidents, but in the Washington, DC area, the major airport known as “Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport” used to just be “National.”

The name change came due to efforts by Republican lawmakers in 1998. It was pushed originally by conservative activist Grover Norquist.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said at the time, “I think history will show clearly he is one of the two greatest Presidents of this century, and in my opinion, the greatest by far. This is a President, as you would expect from Ronald Reagan, who is sort of riding off into the sunset.” 

The name change was a gift to former President Reagan on his 87th birthday. That change was as controversial at the time as any attempt to rename Dulles airport for the 45th president is sure to be.

But might Donald Trump soon get the same honor as Ronald Reagan?