Trump Proposes Naming Public Infrastructure After Himself, Faces Backlash
In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump has proposed unlocking federal funding for infrastructure projects in exchange for renaming New York's Penn Station and Washington Dulles International Airport after himself. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has rejected the proposal, labeling it as "political coercion."
Trump, known for branding numerous properties worldwide, is launching a campaign to associate his name with public institutions, challenging traditional norms that discourage politicizing names until after a president's term or death.
In December, the board of the Kennedy Center, whose members were carefully selected by Trump, voted to rename the venue honoring the late John F. Kennedy to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Recently, Trump's name was also added to the Institute of Peace in Washington, following a decision by the State Department.
Additionally, Trump aims to create an "Arc of Independence" similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and has initiated the construction of a new concert hall at the White House, which necessitated the demolition of the East Wing.
Networks such as CNN and NBC have confirmed that Trump is currently targeting major train stations and airports. He has proposed releasing $16 billion in suspended funding for an infrastructure project connecting New York and New Jersey, contingent upon Schumer's agreement to support the name changes, which Schumer has declined.
Simultaneously, Trump has launched a new government website offering low-cost medications under the name Trump RX, further embedding his brand in public projects.
New York Representative Jerry Nadler has described these actions as "blatant political coercion," asserting that Trump's approach is unprecedented in U.S. history.
Trump himself has acknowledged that his desire to have his name on public institutions is also tied to his ambition to win future elections, reflecting a controversial aspect of his personality.
