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By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
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President-elect Donald Trump, who begins his second term in office on Monday, may have an international airport named in his honor.
On Friday, Tennessee State Representative Todd Warner filed a bill which would rename Nashville International Airport to "Trump International Airport."
If passed, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2026.
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Newsweek has contacted Representative Warner, Tennessee House majority leader William Lamberth, House minority leader Karen Camper, Nashville mayor Freddie O'Connell and Trump's transition team via email for comment.
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Why It Matters
Renaming Nashville International Airport could symbolize a broader public recognition of Donald Trump's presidencies. It follows prior efforts by Republican lawmakers to rename public spaces in his honor.
Tennessee's Republican-majority state legislature, which holds a 75-24 majority, could facilitate the bill's passage.
What to Know
Tennessee House Bill 217, which Warner filed on Friday, directs the metropolitan airport authority to amend registered trademarks and update contracts to reflect the name "Trump International Airport."
During the transition, the bill states airport may conduct business under its current name with the designation "doing business as Trump International Airport."
The bill mandates the metropolitan airport authority take steps to effect the name change, including updating signage, trademarks, and legal documents.
In response to a request for comment on the proposal, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority told Newsweek that its existing name was a "globally recognized brand with a reputation that extends across the world."
Efforts to rename public facilities after Trump are not unprecedented. In April 2024, a group of House Republicans proposed renaming Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and has not progressed since.
The move was supported by several GOP lawmakers, who cited Trump's perceived contributions to the country.
The proposal to rename Nashville Airport from the State House comes after the city of Nashville regained control over its airport authority board in 2023, following a legal battle with the state. Central Nashville's own state representatives are all Democrats.
Tennessee Republicans previously clashed with Nashville officials over renaming streets and other public spaces, including a failed 2023 proposal to rename a street named after civil rights icon John Lewis after Trump.
What People Are Saying
Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority in a statement to Newsweek: "The Nashville International Airport (BNA) is a globally recognized brand with a reputation that extends across the world. Our airport's brand and continued success has earned us a place among the fastest-growing airports, attracting significant increases in both domestic and international air service. We have a bright future as the Nashville International Airport, and we remained focused on providing exceptional travel experiences for our community and our passengers."
What Happens Next
The Tennessee General Assembly will review and vote on the bill in its upcoming legislative sessions. If passed, Nashville International Airport will officially be renamed starting January 1, 2026.
Update 1/22/25, 6:22 a.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.
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