U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is no longer prioritizing legislation that would rename a major Texas highway after President Donald Trump following his loss in the Republican primary runoff.
The four-term senator from Texas introduced the I-47 Future Interstate Act in May to designate U.S. Highway 287 as Interstate 47, also known as the Trump Interstate. The highway stretches roughly 1,800 miles from Port Arthur on the Gulf Coast through Texas and northward to Choteau, Montana. Cornyn proposed the measure while actively seeking Trump’s endorsement in his heated primary battle against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom Trump ultimately backed.
In a Wednesday interview with Hearst Newspapers, Cornyn signaled the project has fallen down his list as his time in office winds down. He said the renaming “may not make it into my priorities the next seven months,” reflecting a shift after his defeat on May 26. Cornyn has publicly stated he plans to transition to the private sector after his term ends.
I am proud to introduce legislation to rename US Highway 287 as Interstate 47 in honor of our 47th President @realDonaldTrump.
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 12, 2026
My bill will upgrade one of our nation’s longest highways to a future interstate and save more than $5 BILLION in travel costs, all while honoring the… https://t.co/Ua8lxoZUeN
The bill was framed not only as a tribute to Trump — whom Cornyn called one of the most consequential presidents — but also as an economic and safety upgrade. A Texas Department of Transportation study cited potential billions in travel cost savings, job growth, and GDP increases if the highway were improved to interstate standards.
The move to rename the highway drew attention as a high-profile gesture during the primary, but it now appears unlikely to advance. Cornyn has begun speaking more candidly about areas where he differs with the Trump administration while maintaining support on key issues.
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