Lawmakers Propose ‘Keep America Great’ & 'MAGA' License Plates to Aid Veterans
Funds from plates would go to two local groups that support U.S. military veterans
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Two famous slogans associated with President Donald Trump and his supporters have been proposed for license plates in Oklahoma to help raise money for local veterans.
State Sen. Nathan Dahm’s proposal suggests one plate design would feature Trump’s 2016 campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” while another would include the Trump 2020 motto, “Keep America Great.”
The proposal is also sponsored by Sen. Marty Quinn, according to the Tulsa World.
“This is a great way that people can support America and support those ideas of keeping America great,” Dahm said, Oklahoma City’s KFOR-TV reported.
Oklahoma would become the first state to use 'MAGA' and 'Keep America Great' on its license plates if the plan gets approval, the station reported.
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Under Dahm’s proposal, a $35 annual fee would be charged for the plates with the funds going to two local groups that support U.S. military veterans - the Folds of Honor and the Warriors of Freedom foundations, the World reported.
Motorist Gary Pierce told KFOR:
“I don’t think it’s such a bad deal, especially if the money’s going to the veterans."
But some have criticized the plate idea, saying that Trump's logans don’t belong on state license plates.
Dahm argued that the slogans would be an optional feature, meaning that those who want the plates would buy them, while other motorists can opt for standard Oklahoma plates such as those including logos of the Oklahoma City Thunder or Oklahoma Sooners, or wildlife designs.
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Dahm told KFOR:
“There are people that are upset with just the president in general, so I understand that people have those feelings, potentially negative feelings against the president, but the great thing is, here in America, you have freedom of speech."
Because of the plates using the President's slogans, Senate Bill 1384 calls for the tags to be designed “in consultation with the corporation or entity designated by Donald J. Trump for such purposes,” according to the World.
Last year, the Republican state senators sought to rename a stretch of Historic Route 66 in honor of Trump.
But the proposal to rename a stretch of Route 66 was withdrawn after the measure received widespread criticism from Route 66 fans and fellow lawmakers, including Trump’s supporters.
Association President Rhys Martin, who wrote the statement, stated in a text the Trump proposal is different than Route 66 being called the Will Rogers Highway many years ago:
"Route 66 has been colloquially called the Will Rogers Highway since right after his death in the 1930s. In 1952, there was a big celebration about the nickname with a motor tour and all sorts of fanfare. Our concern is the official naming of sections of the road.
The additional signage could cause confusion with travelers … as you’re well aware, signage is the #1 wayfinding issue across all eight states. It also reduces the impact that the name Route 66 has all on its own. The Will Rogers Highway, the Mother Road, the Main Street of America — these are all nicknames. It’s the official designation that we spoke out against."
