In a bold move that has sparked both support and criticism, Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) has introduced a bill that would rename the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the United States after former President Donald Trump. The legislation, which faces significant hurdles in the Democrat-controlled Senate and White House, aims to honor Trump’s contributions to the nation and his actions related to oceans during his presidency.
The proposed bill would re-designate the EEZ, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the U.S. territorial sea baseline, as the “Donald John Trump Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.” If enacted, all references to the EEZ in laws, maps, regulations, documents, and other official records would bear the former president’s name.
Rep. Steube, in a press release announcing the legislation, emphasized the importance of having a president who values the strength and resilience of the nation’s oceans. “Floridians know the great value of our coastal natural resources and how important it is to have a president who cares about the strength and resilience of our oceans,” Steube stated. “During his time in office, President Trump took several commendable actions for our oceans as part of his work to make America strong, secure, and economically prosperous.”
The congressman further expressed his honor in introducing the legislation, stating that it would serve as a reminder of Trump’s many contributions to the nation for generations to come. However, the bill’s prospects remain uncertain, given the current political landscape in Washington.
Despite the challenges, House Republicans have not shied away from promoting the former president through various legislative proposals. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) recently introduced a bill to feature Trump’s portrait on $500 bills, while another measure seeks to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after the former president.
Democrats, on the other hand, have responded with their own symbolic gestures. A bill was introduced to rename the Miami Federal Correctional Institution, the closest federal prison to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, as the “Donald J. Trump Federal Correctional Institution,” in reference to the criminal matters the former president currently faces.
Rep. Steube’s press release highlighted several actions taken by Trump during his presidency related to oceans, including signing bills, proclamations, and issuing a memo directing federal agencies to develop a national strategy for mapping the U.S. EEZ.
The U.S. EEZ, as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), grants the United States sovereign rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources within the designated area. It also provides jurisdiction over the establishment and use of artificial islands, installations, structures, marine scientific research, and the protection and preservation of the marine environment.
As the debate surrounding the proposed legislation continues, it remains to be seen whether the bill will gain traction in the House and overcome the obstacles posed by the Democrat-controlled Senate and White House. Regardless of the outcome, the proposal has once again highlighted the deep political divide and the ongoing efforts by Republicans to honor the legacy of former President Donald Trump.
