Soon, Palm Beach International Airport will be renamed after America’s 45th and 27th President, the latest in a line of projects branded with the Trump tag.
County commissioners voted to license the name ‘President Donald J Trump International Airport’ this week, meaning the airport will soon feature Trump-branded merchandise in the airport near his Mar-a-Lago resort.
From airports to peace organisations, it seems like Trump is looking to leave his mark – and name – everywhere in the United States.
Outside of his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, a 15-foot gold statue dubbed ‘Don Colossus’ has memorialised his 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month, it was announced that up to 30,000 ‘lucky’ Americans will soon show a passport with a photo of Trump to customs officials when travelling abroad.
‘This isn’t about legacy – it’s about ego’
Historian and propaganda analyst Dr Ian Garner toldMetrothat Trump’s move to plaster his face and name everywhere is interesting, because it combines his ‘20th-century strongman ego and a 21st-century reality TV personality’.
‘For Trump, I don’t think this is about legacy. I think this is about ego in the here and now. His ego needs to be fed by approval, by fame, by reception, by applause. Today, he’s not thinking about the future. He’s thinking, “How can I get my face out there right now, today?” And this is what I mean when I say this is a very 21st-century phenomenon,’ Dr Garner explained.
‘That’s why you get his name and his face on everything from the smallest things, Trump burgers, Trump University, Trump money, Trump crypto coins, to gigantic arts institutions.’
Despite his apparent desire to have his name immortalised, Trump isn’t expecting to be a historical figure with a lasting legacy, Dr Garner adds.
‘He just wants to feel this adulation from the crowds today. It’s very superficial. What’s curious to me is how low-effort a lot of these ego projects seem to be,’ he explained.
‘It’s reasonable to expect that when Trump leaves office, his image will disappear from the cardboard. His name will disappear from the airport and from the Kennedy Arts Center and elsewhere. He’s not carving himself into Mount Rushmore. He’s not making really very permanent changes, and that’s why I say I think this is all very superficial and immediate feeding of the ego.
‘It’s just about garnering the most possible attention for himself.’
Trump dollar bills
There’s also been a push to put Trump’s signature on all new US dollar bills, which would be a first for a sitting president, as well as including his image on a gold commemorative coin to celebrate the country’s founding.
His squiggle will start appearing on the $100 bill in June to mark America’s 250th anniversary, with others to follow.
Trump’s name will appear alongside that of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump’s unprecedented change, first reported by Reuters, is the latest in his efforts to imprint (literally) himself on US history.
Trump’s handpicked arts commission also voted earlier this month to commemorate a 24-karat gold coin bearing Trump’s image.
Buildings and banners
The US Institute of Peace was renamed after Trump when he retook office in 2024.
Photos of the President were hung in federal office buildings and the headquarters of multiple governmental departments.
Trump also renamed the Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts – making it include his name – which sparked outrage from the Kennedy family and prompted a lawsuit from an Ohio representative.
Airports and train stations
County commissioners voted to license the name ‘President Donald J Trump International Airport’ this week, meaning the airport will soon feature Trump-branded merchandise in the airport near his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Other proposals want to rename Washington Dulles Airport and Penn Station after the President.
International waterways
On Truth Social this month, the President shared an AI-generated image of the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, which is at the centre of international tensions.
It was renamed ‘Strait of Trump’ in the image.
In March, he also appeared to name the ancient waterway after himself.
‘They have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump. I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me, I’m so sorry. Such a terrible mistake,’ he said.
National park passes
Last autumn, the National Park Service’s park passes were redesigned, making room for a portrait of Trump next to George Washington.
‘It is the department’s honour to showcase the America the Beautiful pass honouring America’s 250th anniversary and the generations who have protected our lands,’ Secretary Doug Burgum said, announcing the change.
The announcement prompted a lawsuit from the Centre for Biological Diversity, with Kieran Sucking, the centre’s executive director, issuing harsh words.
‘Blotting out the majesty of America’s national parks with a closeup of his own face is Trump’s crassest, most ego-driven action yet,’ he said.
‘It’s disgusting of Trump to politicise America’s most sacred refuge by pasting his face over the national parks in the same way he slaps his corporate name on buildings, restaurants, and golf courses.
‘The national parks are not a personal branding opportunity. They’re the pride and joy of the American people.’
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