Missouri Lawmakers Propose Renaming Highways After President-elect Trump
Missouri lawmakers are gearing up to introduce legislation that would see multiple highways in the state renamed in honor of President-elect Trump in the upcoming year. State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, is reportedly spearheading the most expansive bill, seeking to bestow Trump’s name on various roadways within the Missouri state highway system that are currently unnamed. However, roadways in counties encompassing St. Louis, Columbia, and Kansas City would be exempt from this proposal, as per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Proposed Designations and Signage Funding
Under both the failed 2021 proposal and the current bill, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) would be responsible for erecting and maintaining commemorative signage bearing Trump’s name. Notably, private donations would cover the costs associated with producing and installing these signs. Another proposal from state Sen. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles, seeks to designate a section of MO Route D west of St. Louis as the “President Donald J. Trump Highway.” Schroer emphasized the importance of “Making Missouri Roads Great Again” in a social media post announcing his bill, which featured a humorous image of Trump showcasing his famous “Y.M.C.A.” dance moves.
Efforts to Commemorate National Figures
Missouri lawmakers have also made attempts to honor other prominent conservative figures, such as the late radio host Rush Limbaugh, who hailed from Cape Girardeau. However, a proposal to establish Jan. 12 as “Rush Limbaugh Day” did not make it into the final text of a 2021 bill. Trump’s name has already been featured on highways in various locations outside Missouri, including in politically unfavorable territories like the deep-blue suburb of Springfield, Virginia, and the Miami suburb of Hialeah, Florida.
Controversies Surrounding Existing Trump Memorials
In Trump’s home state of New York, a 430-acre park known as Donald J. Trump State Park has faced challenges since its inception in 2006. Originally donated by Trump after failed development attempts for a golf course, the park has fallen into disrepair and remains largely unmaintained. Efforts have been made by New York Democrats to rename the park, especially following Trump’s legal troubles and convictions. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal expressed hope that recent events would prompt discussions about renaming the park, emphasizing the need for preserving public spaces with broader community support.
As the debate over renaming highways and parks continues, it raises questions about the significance of these memorials and their implications for local communities. What do these efforts tell us about how we choose to honor public figures and their legacies? Ultimately, the decision to rename public spaces should reflect the diverse perspectives and values of the communities they serve, fostering a sense of unity and respect for all individuals.
