A new bill has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Republicans that proposes renaming the Washington Dulles International Airport to "Donald J. Trump International Airport". The bill aims to honor the 45th president of the United States. The bill was introduced by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa., the House GOP's chief deputy whip, and six cosponsors.
.gif)
Reschenthaler stated, "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." However, the likelihood of the change receiving approval with the current Senate is unlikely, as the Democratic party has a majority there.
Even in the House, Republicans may not have widespread support from their own party. Even if approved on both sides, the bill would need presidential approval from Joe Biden, the current president, a Democrat. Some House Democrats expressed disbelief over the move to rename the airport, located 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C. "This idea is ridiculous, but sadly real," Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., who's running for governor of the state, wrote Tuesday in a post on X, adding that Congress instead should focus on reauthorizing the FAA and passing foreign aid.
Renaming United States airports after presidents is not uncommon. One of the most famous airports in the US is in New York City, John F. Kennedy International Airport. In Houston, there is George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and in Washington D.C., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Dulles opened in Dec. 1962 and was named after John Foster Dulles, who served as secretary of state under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959.