Florida Congressman Proposes Renaming U.S. Coastal Waters After Donald Trump, Sparking Online Backlash

As the U.S. presidential elections approach and Donald Trump’s 78th birthday nears, Florida Congressman Greg Steube has sparked controversy with a proposal to rename U.S. coastal waterways after the former President. The suggestion has been met with widespread criticism online.

On Thursday, Steube announced on social media platform X that he plans to introduce legislation to rename the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to the “Donald John Trump Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.” The EEZ is the waterway surrounding the U.S., where the country holds sovereign rights for exploration and conservation of natural resources.

“Tomorrow I will introduce legislation to rename our coastal waters after @realDonaldTrump!” Steube wrote. “President Trump took several commendable actions for our oceans as part of his work to make America strong, secure, and economically prosperous. Renaming our waters will serve as a reminder of his many contributions to our nation for generations to come.”

Earlier in March, House Republicans suggested renaming Virginia’s Washington Dulles International Airport to The Donald J. Trump International Airport.

Steube’s proposal was quickly derided by many X users. One critic accused the Republican congressman of belonging to a “cult.” Former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, a vocal critic of Trump, responded, “In my 12 years in Congress, which was three times longer than Trump held office, I could never have fathomed being this much of a dorky try-hard.”

Arne Duncan, who served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama, commented, “Cultists gonna cult…”

Critics also highlighted Trump’s recent felony record. Christopher Bouzy remarked, “Inmate Number P01135809 is a mouthful,” referring to Trump’s conviction. In May, Trump became the first former or sitting U.S. President to be convicted of criminal charges, found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying company documents to pay hush money to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential campaign.

Actress Dana Ivey sarcastically remarked, “Did you hear that @RepGregSteube wants to name coastal waters after the Orange Pod? True. He wants to name something after CONVICTED FELON, sexual predator, GLOAT (Greatest Liar Of All Time), multiple fraudster, and ripper-off of all who work for him. Gee, Greg, not such a good choice.”

Another user wrote, “Our waterways aren’t felons, Greg. You’re welcome to rename your toilet Trump if it makes you happy, but you leave our waterways alone.” Yet another chimed in, “I like naming a correctional facility after Trump. It would align with what he will be remembered the most for.”

What is the EEZ?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. holds “sovereign rights” to explore and conserve the natural resources within the EEZ. This zone includes the waterways surrounding Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, extending up to 200 nautical miles (about 230 miles) from the territorial sea baseline.

The proposal to rename such a significant and strategic zone after Donald Trump has undeniably stirred strong reactions across the internet and political spectrum.