I'll Give Myself an Honor

During his remarks at the Kennedy Center last year in August, Donald Trump revealed the reason why he appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center. "I wanted one [a Kennedy Center Honor]. I was never able to get one..... I waited and waited and waited and I said, "The hell with it! I'll become chairman, and give myself an honor," Trump rambled.

Since then, Trump has rebranded the Center with his name:

The Center's webpage logo also reflects this name change.

HOWEVER

The recent attempt to change the name of the Kennedy Center to include Donald Trump's name was not legal, according to lawsuits filed by members of Congress and legal experts, who argue that only Congress can alter the name of the national memorial, as established by federal law. A lawsuit claims the Board's vote and subsequent signage change are unlawful, violating the statute that designated it as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and seeks to have the name restored.

Note: The statute (act of Congress) that designated the National Cultural Center as a living memorial to President Kennedy was signed into law on January 23, 1964, by President Lyndon B. Johnson, just two months after the President's assassination.

What's in a Name?

Buildings and Landmarks Renamed After Trump

Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace  -  The State Department formally rebranded the U.S. Institute of Peace as the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, placing President Trump’s name on the building after his administration took control of the congressionally created body. Former staff and leadership are challenging the administration’s actions in court amid an ongoing legal battle over control of the institute.

Trump–Kennedy Center  -  The Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to rename the institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, commonly referred to as the Trump‑Kennedy Center. Representative Joyce Beatty filed a lawsuit seeking to block the renaming, arguing that federal law requires congressional approval and saying she was muted during the board meeting and prevented from objecting.

Government programs

Trump Gold Card  -  The Department of Homeland Security launched the Trump Gold Card program, a fast‑track pathway to U.S. permanent residency that requires wealthy individuals to pay a $1 million contribution — on top of a processing fee and vetting — to receive legal resident status.

National park passes featuring Trump’s portrait  -  The Interior Department unveiled redesigned America the Beautiful national park passes featuring a portrait of President Trump alongside other imagery.

Don't gag, George

Proposed renaming

Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington, D.C., Metro System

Currency proposal  -  The Golden Age Act of 2025 proposed placing Trump’s image on the $100 bill, and separate bills in Congress would create a new $250 note bearing his portrait.

Legal limitation  -  Many efforts to attach Trump’s name to public institutions face significant legal and political hurdles. Major landmarks, currency, and permanent memorials typically require congressional approval, not unilateral action by federal agencies, and several proposals are already tied up in court. There is a clear distinction between administrative branding changes and actions that require legislation. Federal agencies can rename programs or update materials, but changes involving currency, transportation systems, or permanent memorials must be approved by Congress, and bills introduced in Congress do not automatically make them law.