WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — West Virginia Republicans have begun to walk back on a sponsored resolution filed in the state House of Delegates to rename Spruce Knob as “Trump Mountain.”

House Resolution 33 would seek to rename the landmark and state’s highest point after current President Donald Trump, five years after his death, with lawmakers saying that Spruce Knob “symbolizes strength, endurance, and resilience, qualities that epitomize the leadership and perseverance demonstrated by President Donald J. Trump.”

The piece of legislature drew stark criticism online with an Eyewitness News poll showing 93% disapproval of the renaming from more than 1,600 votes.

State Democrats also took to social media to lambaste the piece of legislation and the copied responses from the Republican delegates, labeling them as “I didn’t know what I signed on to” excuses.

Following the criticism from the public, Del. Eric Brooks, (R-Raleigh) a co-sponsor of the resolution, walked back his support for the document in a social media post.

“When I heard about this resolution, I was under the impression it would be an ‘honorary’ naming, meaning we would put up a plaque near the site in recognition of President Trump and his accomplishments,” Brooks said. “However, after understanding more fully the implications of the resolution, I have removed my name as a co-sponsor.”

Similarly, Del. Trenton Barnhart, (R-Pleasants), shared his regret for co-sponsoring the legislation, repeating much of Brooks’ statement verbatim.

“West Virginia is the second most ‘Trump state’ in the nation as shown by his vote percentage here in 2024, and I thought this would be a nice gesture to recognize him,” Barnhart said. “This honor was to happen five years after his death. Therefore, I initially signed on as a co-sponsor of the resolution.”

Following the responses and backlash, other Republican delegates from across the state came out to criticize HR33 and point out its improbability of passing.

“I am strongly against any effort to change the name of Spruce Knob,” Del. Jonathan Kyle, (R-Randolph), said in a statement. “As the highest point in West Virginia, Spruce Knob holds a special place in our state’s identity. It represents our heritage, our natural beauty, and even supports our local economy through tourism. Changing its name would be a mistake.”

“President Trump himself, has made it a point to return original names to American points of interest such as Fort Bragg and Mt. McKinley,” Del. Dana Farrell, (R-Kanawha), said in a post. “Resolution 33 is simply just that, a resolution. It has no teeth to change anything in and of itself. It won't have much support within the republican caucus and most likely won't ever make a vote.”

“A bill has been introduced to rename Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest peak. I want to make my position on this matter absolutely clear: I do not and will never support the renaming of Spruce Knob,” Del. Kathie Hess Crouse, (R-Putnam), said on her social media account. “Some landmarks hold historical and cultural significance that should be respected and preserved—this is one of them.”