The proposal to rename the road where Chicago's Trump Tower is located after Barack Obama has gained momentum in recent weeks. If passed, the street would be renamed 'Barack Hussein Obama Way,' with an honorary street sign potentially erected outside the Trump International Hotel.
Plans to rename the street were unveiled at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center last week. The move is seen as a tribute to the 44th US president, who stands for hope and change. More than 33,000 people have signed a petition in support of the proposal.
The campaign is not without controversy, however. A sign honouring Obama could be erected directly outside the Trump International Hotel, which offers rooms at $500 a night. The move is seen as a slap in the face for the White House incumbent.
Trump has been criticized for his comments on Chicago's crime rates. The president threatened military intervention in the city earlier this month, despite crime rates having actually declined over several years in line with many other US cities.
The proposal to rename the street is seen as a way to 'piss off' the president, according to local campaigners. Alderman Brendan Reilly has set out plans to rename part of the street between East Kinzie Street and East Wacker Drive in honour of Obama.
Trump's comments on Chicago's crime rates have been rebuffed by Democratic Illinois governor JB Pritzker, who is a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Governor Pritzker said that he doesn't think that the president should be listened to or taken seriously.
