A bill to name a proposed Mississippi River bridge after President Donald Trump has failed in the Louisiana Senate, despite the state's strong Republican leanings. The legislation, introduced by GOP state Representative Michael Echols, would have designated the bridge connecting Highway 30 and Highway 1 as the 'President Donald J. Trump Expressway.'
The bill passed the House in March with a 68–26 vote, but never received a Senate vote or committee referral before the legislative session ended on 1 June. Echols said Senate President Cameron Henry informed him that the Senate was not interested in naming bridges and roads after presidents at this time. Echols expressed disappointment, arguing that the Trump name could have helped secure federal funding for the long-stalled project.
A separate bill by Democratic state Representative Pat Moore to name a section of Louisiana Highway 15 after former President Barack Obama also failed to reach a floor vote, despite passing through committee. Louisiana voted heavily for Trump in the 2024 election, with 60% of voters supporting him.
Since returning to office, Trump has seen several infrastructure projects named after him, including the renaming of the U.S. Institute of Peace and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. However, a federal judge recently ruled that the Kennedy Center rebranding was illegal, stating the board overstepped its authority.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to rename seven airports after Trump, including Palm Beach International Airport. This has sparked lawsuits and concerns over safety risks and potential financial benefits for the Trump family, though Eric Trump has denied any personal profit from the rebranding.
