SC House votes to rename two highways, bridge after Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, lawmakers react
Watch the full debate on the bills below.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina House of Representatives passed three resolutions Thursday that would rename two South Carolina highways and a bridge after President Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk.
The future Interstate-73, which will run through Dillon, Marlboro, Marion, and Horry counties and connect them to Interstate-95, would be renamed the “President Donald J. Trump Highway.” The resolution passed 76-28.
Highway 76 in Laurens County that runs from the county’s Greenville border to South Carolina Highway 101 would be renamed the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.” The resolution passed 75-31.
The Little River bridge in McCormick County would also be renamed the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Bridge.” The resolution passed 75-29.
Kirk, a controversial podcaster and founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed while speaking at an event in Utah last September.
The bills sparked debate in the House with several lawmakers opposed to them, pointing out Trump and Kirk’s divisive remarks about minority communities and women.
I am amazed at this rush to honor people who have no honor, in my opinion," said State Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter.
“I wish you would just think for one minute about how people of color feel about him, about how women with a mind to think for themselves as opposed to going along with the party line, feel about him. Tell me, what did he do to deserve honor? Divide?”
State Rep. Hamilton Grant followed Cobb-Hunter, quoting several controversial statements from Kirk.
“‘If I see a black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope she’s qualified.’ Direct quote from Charlie Kirk, January 23rd, 2024....If you do not agree with those words, please reconsider what you’re getting ready to do.”
Several state and federal lawmakers showed support for H. 4982, the resolution to name the South Carolina portion of I-73 after President Trump.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham supported the move, saying in a post on X that he would continue to work with state and other federal lawmakers to make the renaming happen.
A great name for South Carolina’s greatest highway project.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 5, 2026
When completed, I-73 will connect the fast-growing Grand Strand area to I-95. Naming it after President Trump makes sense to me, and I’m glad to see this effort move forward.
For my part, I’ll continue to work closely… https://t.co/o2smp4YknY
U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, who represents the counties that I-73 will run through, also tweeted his support for naming the interstate after Trump.
The President Donald J. Trump Highway is one step closer to reality in South Carolina. 🇺🇸
— Russell Fry (@RussellFrySC) March 5, 2026
Thank you to the South Carolina House for taking a stand and honoring his historic leadership.
South Carolina Senate, let's get it done! pic.twitter.com/DFxHzlLNfz
The bill still has to pass the Senate before making its way to the governor’s desk.
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