Donald Trump’s Quest to Have the Most U.S. Structures Named After Him
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President Donald Trump has reportedly been actively involved in rebranding government buildings, institutions, and currency with his name at an unprecedented rate. This has included the creation of a new class of battleships named the “Trump class,” changing the name of the US Institute of Peace to the “Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace,” and even a proposal to have Trump’s face carved into Mount Rushmore. Some have criticized these actions as narcissistic, noting that most presidents wait until after they have left office or even died before things are named after them, while others in the Trump administration see it as a recognition of the President’s accomplishments.
US President Trump Unprecedentedly Branding His Name on Public Assets
Throughout history, the US has honoured presidents by naming public assets after them. From the Ronald Reagan airport in Washington DC to the John F Kennedy airport in NYC, and numerous buildings, institutions and memorials bearing the names of past leaders. However, current President Donald Trump is on a mission to outdo all his predecessors.
Within his second term, President Trump’s name and signature have been branded across numerous government buildings, institutions and currency at a rate like never before. This expansion shows no signs of slowing down. For instance, last month, Trump launched TrumpRx, a prescription drug website where Americans can buy medications.
Moreover, the White House and the US navy recently announced a new “Trump class” of battleships. Various government bodies have also been renamed after Trump, including the US Institute of Peace now known as the “Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace”.
Even the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was renamed after Trump following a board vote. This change, however, is currently being legally challenged.
Historically, leaders have been bestowed such honours posthumously or after leaving offices by their successors. However, Trump’s recent endeavours show this is not the case for him. In an unprecedented move, he offered to fund a New York infrastructure project conditional upon the renaming of Penn Station and Washington’s Dulles international airport after himself. He’s also managed to have a 24-karat commemorative gold coin engraved with his image.
Moreover, Trump’s signature is set to appear on US paper currency later this year, a move claimed by the treasury secretary as a “powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country”.
Ironic to the administration’s claims, the public doesn’t seem to share the same sentiments. Last year, when the National Park Service announced its annual pass would feature Trump’s face, there was public outrage. This led to a surge in stickers production to cover up Trump’s face on the passes, forcing the government to revise its policies regarding the pass.
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