NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — President Donald Trump’s name could have a permanent place at Nashville’s airport thanks to a bill filed in January, but if it passes, it could face additional roadblocks.
Republican Rep. Todd Warner (R- Chapel Hill) filed the bill to rename the Nashville International Airport to Trump International Airport.
The airport is currently known as BNA in honor of World War I veteran Col. Harry S. Berry, who helped found the airport in 1937.
“As only the second president in U.S. history to be elected to non-consecutive terms, renaming Tennessee’s largest airport to Trump International is wonderful way to honor Donald Trump’s legacy and the positive impact he’s had on our nation,” Rep. Todd Warner told News 2 in a statement.
Should the bill pass, the Nashville Airport Authority would be required to “erect suitable signs or affix suitable markers designating the airport as the ‘Trump International Airport’ and to take other appropriate actions to recognize this designation in accordance with this section,” according to the proposed legislation.
Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) pointed out there are similar efforts in Washington D.C.
“I think there are people in Congress looking to rename Dulles to Donald J. Trump Airport,” Sexton said. “I don’t think you can have two airports named for him. I don’t think that works, so I think we need to talk to Congress to see if that’s the route they’re wanting to go, and then we’ll figure it out later.”
There could be more turbulence in renaming BNA if the bill passes due to a lawsuit over a 2023 state law that replaced the mayor-appointed airport authority board with a new board, which was mainly appointed by the state.
“While that’s in litigation, I think there’s still a question as to who can rename the airport,” House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) said.
Nashville sued Tennessee over the law shortly after it passed, claiming it violated Home Rule because the legislation only impacted Nashville. A three-judge panel sided with the city and struck down the law.
However, the state is trying to appeal the ruling to regain control over the airport.
“We’ve been very clear that the airport is a regional airport; there is state interest in that airport and significant investment on the part of every Tennessean, and we’ve gone down that road to try to have more state investment and activity with the airport board and everything else, but that’s still wrapped up in litigation, so while that’s in litigation it’s pretty tough for us to make the decision,” Lamberth explained.
When News 2 asked a spokesperson for BNA about the cost of renaming the airport, they made us file a public records request for the information, which BNA will have seven business days to respond to.
BNA provided News 2 with the following statement:
“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.”
Nashville International Airport
The bill’s sponsor in the Senate is Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald). If the bill passes, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
