El Paso residents react to proposal to rename the Bridge of the Americas after President Trump

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Thursday, some border residents expressed divided opinions regarding a local businessman’s proposal to rename the Bridge of the Americas after President Donald Trump.

The El Paso Chamber, along with other local business leaders, held a news conference Wednesday in Downtown El Paso. Leaders called on local, state, and federal government leaders and officials to reconsider removing commercial traffic from the Bridge of the Americas.

During the conference, Economy Wholesale Grocers President Paul Dipp said the bridge should be named after President Trump.

"I also propose, along with many others, that the bridge be renamed the Donald J. Trump Bridge of the Americas in recognition of President Trump's commitment to American industry and to bringing domestic manufacturing back as one of our nation's greatest strengths," Dipp said. "A modernized bridge that keeps this trade moving would be a fitting monument to his (President Trump) vision."

ABC-7 reached out to the office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and the El Paso Chamber of Commerce to get their comments on this proposal.

Rep. Veronica Escobar's office sent us the following written statement:

"Gas prices are through the roof because of Donald Trump’s illegal war in Iran; businesses and consumers are struggling because of Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs; and Donald Trump announced that he will not renew our trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. And the El Paso Chamber wants to focus its efforts on renaming the Bridge of the Americas after Donald Trump?"

"Some decisions — like the Chamber's decision to not engage during the four year, robust public process for Bridge of the Americas despite our invitations — are just inexplicable. There’s still time for them to refocus their efforts on helping those of us planning and working to ensure our other land ports of entry are ready for the shift in commercial traffic in the years to come. But I won’t hold my breath."

El Paso Chamber also sent to ABC-7 the following written statement:

"El Paso Chamber does not endorse the proposal to rename the Bridge of the Americas. Our focus is on the bridge's role in our region: its commercial traffic is essential to El Paso's economic well-being, and supporting the businesses and workers who depend on it remains our priority."

You can watch the full story in our afternoon and evening newscasts.