Republicans propose renaming Dulles airport after Donald Trump
Democrats claimed it would be more appropriate to name "a federal prison" after the former president following the proposal, which is unlikely to become law.
Wednesday 3 April 2024 17:22, UK
The international airport close to central Washington DC should be renamed after Donald Trump, according to a bill introduced by a group of House Republicans.
Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, who is the Republican party's chief deputy whip in the House, is listed as one of seven sponsors of the bill to rename Dulles airport.
He said it would represent "no better symbol of freedom, prosperity and strength" - but Democrats claimed it would be more appropriate to name "a federal prison" after the former president.
The bill is unlikely to become law because of the Democrat majority in the Senate and the slender Republican majority in the lower house.
Mr Reschenthaler told Fox News Digital: "As millions of domestic and international travellers 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.
But in reaction to the proposal, Democrat Gerry Connolly released a statement referring to criminal charges being faced by Mr Trump.
"If Republicans want to name something after him, I'd suggest they find a federal prison," said Mr Connolly.
The proposal would see "Donald J Trump International Airport" replacing the current name which was introduced to honour John Foster Dulles, who was secretary of state in the 1950s under the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower.
Washington Dulles International Airport is in Virginia, but is only around 27 miles away from the White House.
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Another Virginia-based airport is named after Republican president, Ronald Reagan.
In July 2019, Mr Trump was mocked for praising how American troops "took over the airports" during the revolutionary war in the 1700s - despite air travel not occurring in the US until the early 20th century.
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Former Republican politician Cheri Jacobus said at the time: "In 1775 there were no aircraft nor were there airports.
"Trump is criminally stupid."