Sen. John Kennedy has proposed a ban on naming buildings after living politicians, a move prompted by President Trump’s efforts to rename the Kennedy Center.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, has voiced his opposition to naming buildings after living politicians, suggesting that a rule should be established to prohibit such practices. This proposal comes in light of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to rename the Kennedy Center after himself, as well as other prominent federal buildings in Washington, D.C., since his return to the White House last year.
During an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Kennedy expressed his belief that public officials, including Trump, should not utilize public funds for personal promotion. “The White House sees it differently, but … you can’t spend public money to … promote yourself,” he stated while discussing the implications of recent government-funded advertisements promoting Trump that aired on multiple networks.
In light of these developments, Kennedy suggested that a rule should be implemented to prevent politicians from having buildings named in their honor while they are still alive. “I may end up with a sombrero on my head, but I also think we ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him when he’s alive,” he remarked, referencing Trump’s past mockery of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries through AI-generated videos.
Trump’s attempts to rename various federal buildings, including the Kennedy Center, have faced legal challenges. Federal judges have blocked several efforts by the center’s board, which was appointed by Trump, to add the president’s name to the building. Although Trump’s name was briefly displayed on the facade, it was ordered to be removed following court rulings that determined only Congress has the authority to rename the center.
Additionally, Trump’s name was added to the U.S. Institute of Peace last year by the State Department. However, former officials who were removed during the Trump administration have since filed a court motion to prevent construction crews from placing the president’s name on the exterior of the building.
Earlier this year, Trump also suggested renaming New York’s Penn Station and Dulles Airport in the Washington, D.C. area after himself as part of a funding deal. Furthermore, he proposed a project to create a promenade connecting the back of the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River, indicating that allies wanted to name it the “Trump Promenade.” “They want to call it the Trump Promenade, but I don’t know if I want to do that, but it’s going to be beautiful,” he commented at the time.
Kennedy’s remarks highlight a growing concern among some lawmakers regarding the appropriateness of naming public buildings after individuals who are still living, especially in the context of political self-promotion. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether any formal measures will be taken to implement such a ban.
According to Fox News, Kennedy’s proposal reflects a broader debate about the intersection of politics and public spaces in America.