Arizona Senate Rejects ‘Donald J. Trump Highway’ by 1 Vote—A Narrow Escape

MAGA supporters nationwide are showing their loyalty to former President Donald Trump by pushing for his name or likeness on various public monuments and institutions. This includes proposals to alter U.S. currency, rename airports, roads, and even Mt. Rushmore.

In Arizona, however, the effort hit a snag. On Thursday, Senate Republicans failed to secure enough votes to support Senate Concurrent Memorial 1001, which aimed to rename State Route 260 as the “Donald J. Trump Highway.” Sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers from Flagstaff, the proposal sought to honor Trump within a district she represents, but it fell short with a 15-9 vote against it.

Senator Frank Carroll of Sun City West cast a dissenting vote, citing a desire among his constituents to honor Trump, whom he believes will be regarded as a significant president in the 21st century. Carroll suggested that a more appropriate time for such a tribute would be after Trump serves his second term.

This was not the first attempt by Rogers to push for the highway renaming. Despite introducing similar measures in 2021 and 2022, neither garnered enough support for a hearing. She has vowed to continue her pursuit until the memorial is approved, donning gold Donald Trump sneakers as a symbol of her dedication.

Opposition to the proposal was voiced by Senator Theresa Hatathlie, a Democrat from Coal Mine Mesa. She reminded her peers that the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names traditionally refrains from naming landmarks after individuals until five years after their death and requires a substantial connection to the area.

Senator Mitzi Epstein from Tempe expressed strong objections to Rogers’ suggestion. She argued that public places should be named after individuals with exemplary records, not someone she views as having led a “disgraceful personal life,” referring to Trump’s business practices and legal issues. She also highlighted Trump’s actions during the January 6 Capitol riots as detrimental to American democracy.

In contrast, Senator Mark Finchem, a Republican and known election denier, dismissed Epstein’s criticism as mere “propaganda.” Finchem has a history of supporting Trump’s controversial actions, including his stance during the Capitol riots.

The text of SCM1001 lauds Trump for what Rogers calls his notable accomplishments, such as establishing the Department of Government Efficiency and constructing significant stretches of border wall. Critics, however, point to the chaotic effects of government actions attributed to this department, led by Elon Musk and marked by numerous dismissals of federal employees.

Arizona is not alone in this initiative. Other states are also contemplating naming honors in Trump’s memory; efforts are underway in Missouri, Kentucky, Wyoming, and Utah to establish “Donald J. Trump Highways.” Recent proposals in West Virginia aim to rename Spruce Knob to “Trump Mountain,” and the idea of designating Nashville’s airport after him is gaining traction in Tennessee.

At the federal level, similar proposals have been introduced, including renaming Washington Dulles International Airport after Trump and even redesigning the $100 bill with his image. A Florida congresswoman has even suggested placing Trump’s likeness on Mount Rushmore, alongside past U.S. presidents.

The fervor to honor Trump continues amid claims from supporters that he is the best president of their lifetime. The language in memorial proposals, like SCM1001, speaks to a dedication to pro-American worker policies attributed to Trump, illustrating the deep loyalty among his supporters.