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I-40 bridge in East Tennessee to be named after President Trump. Here’s what we know
By Josh Jarnagin at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee will soon be named after President Donald Trump.U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will be joined by several elected officials on Thursday to unveil the Donald J. Trump Bridge on I-40 in Jefferson County.According to the U.S. ...
Key takeaway (WVLT) - A bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee will soon be named after President Donald Trump.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The renaming of the I-40 Douglas Lake Bridge to the Donald J. Trump Bridge may have implications for local tourism and economic development in the region. As a major transportation artery, the bridge's new name could attract visitors and businesses with ties to the former president, potentially boosting the local economy. However, it's also possible that the name change could be a source of controversy, affecting the area's reputation and relationships with neighboring communities. The presence of high-ranking officials, including Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, at the unveiling ceremony suggests that the renaming is a significant event for the state's Republican leadership. As the ceremony takes place, Nashville residents may wonder if similar naming decisions could be made in their own city, and what that might mean for the local landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? DANDRIDGE, Tenn. (WVLT) - A bridge on I-40 in East Tennessee will soon be named after President Donald Trump.U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will be joined by several elected officials on Thursday to unveil the Donald J. Trump Bridge on I-40 in Jefferson County.According to the U.S. ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Jarnagin at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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