Florida county commissioners have approved renaming Southern Boulevard to ‘President Donald J. Trump Boulevard,’ a designation that marks the latest in a long tradition of U.S. roadways named after former presidents. The decision, which received unanimous support, recognizes Trump’s status as a prominent political figure and underscores the ongoing practice of honoring leaders through public infrastructure.
The newly named boulevard, which leads to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, is a central route for his motorcade during visits to the area. It is expected to become a point of pride for his supporters, who frequently gather along its path to greet him during his travels. The renaming reflects the broader trend of commemorating leaders, with roadways honoring both Republican and Democratic presidents.
While Trump’s name will be among several presidents memorialized through public spaces, the decision has sparked discussions about the role of public infrastructure in political remembrance. The change comes as part of a growing pattern of states and localities naming roads and highways after historical figures, including both recent and past leaders.
The practice of naming roadways after presidents is not new, with the U.S. Census Bureau noting that George Washington, the first president, holds the distinction of having the most roads named after him. Other notable names include Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, and a range of other leaders. These renamings are often the result of legislative efforts, with local governments deciding to honor figures they believe have made significant contributions to the nation’s history and development.
Although the renaming of Southern Boulevard was approved by Palm Beach County commissioners, the final approval from the county’s affected municipalities is still pending. This highlights the complexity of such decisions, as they require collaboration across multiple local governing bodies. The change, however, underscores the strong support Trump continues to receive from his base, as well as the ways in which his political legacy is being embedded into the physical landscape of the region.