House Republicans are making headlines again with their latest push to leave an indelible Trump-shaped stamp on the nation’s capital. The newest proposal? Renaming Washington Dulles International Airport in honor of President Donald Trump. Freshman Representative Addison McDowell from North Carolina wasted no time introducing legislation to rebrand the iconic Virginia airport as Donald J. Trump International Airport. Because, apparently, the best way to usher in a self-proclaimed “golden age of America” is to slap Trump’s name on a major transportation hub.
McDowell made it clear this wasn’t just a vanity project but, in his words, a fitting tribute to Trump’s transformative leadership. Claiming the former president has ushered in a new era for America, McDowell argued it was only right to honor Trump alongside Ronald Reagan, whose name already adorns another D.C.-area airport. The bill itself is refreshingly brief, with just two pages spelling out that all official maps, documents, and references to Dulles Airport must now reflect its new name. Simple, right? Because nothing solves political discord like rebranding airports.
Joining McDowell’s campaign are Representatives Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, Brandon Gill of Texas, Riley Moore of West Virginia, and Brian Jack of Georgia. Reschenthaler, an old hand at this idea, tried a similar effort in the last Congress, though it predictably stalled in committee. This time, with Republicans holding the reins in both chambers of Congress and Trump back in the White House, supporters are optimistic the legislation might finally take off. Reschenthaler, ever enthusiastic, hailed Trump as “the greatest president of my lifetime” and framed the renaming as a way to immortalize his legacy. Subtlety, as usual, was not part of the pitch.
Riley Moore added his voice to the chorus, declaring Trump the “most consequential politician” of his generation and praising his impact on the so-called “forgotten men and women” of America. Moore expressed hope that the bill would hit the House floor soon, promising a heated debate as Democrats are unlikely to let this go without a fight. After all, renaming a major airport after such a polarizing figure is sure to spark a partisan tug-of-war that might rival the baggage claim lines at the airport itself.
Let’s not forget Dulles Airport’s current namesake, John Foster Dulles, a man who served as Secretary of State under President Eisenhower and played a pivotal role during the Cold War. The airport, which opened in 1962, has proudly carried his name for decades. Past Republican efforts to swap his name for Trump’s were met with sharp backlash from Democrats, who dismissed the idea as a brazen example of partisanship. With this latest push, it seems Republicans are ready to reignite the fight, proving that in Washington, even airport names are fair game in the ongoing political theater.
