Sadly for President Donald Trump’s most ardent fans, there’s probably no room left on Mount Rushmore. There’s also a law on the books since 1866 that forbids placing the likeness of a living person on US currency. But those obstacles have not stopped members of Congress from introducing legislation to honor their leader larger-than-life in stone and on legal tender. There are proposals to place Trump on the $100 bill, perhaps replacing Benjamin Franklin, or on an as-yet unprinted $250 bill. None of these ideas seem likely to become law, but they are emblematic of a trend of similar efforts to flatter the president. The Trump Train Another idea formalized in an official legislative proposal would withhold funds from the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority, WMATA, until it is renamed “WMAGA.” DC’s Metrorail commuter train, better known as the Metro, would be renamed the “Trump Train.” Trump Accounts Sometimes, just saying MAGA doesn’t go far enough. While nobody should expect to get on the Trump Train near the White House any time soon, there’s a real possibility every new baby could get a Trump Account. An early draft of the megabill on Capitol Hill riffed on Democratic proposals to give each American baby some seed money at birth. At first, the plan was to call this money “MAGA Accounts.” The name was changed to “Trump Accounts” in the version that passed the House. We’ll see if the idea makes it through the Senate. The parade on Trump’s birthday The president will also receive a big birthday bash at taxpayer expense. There will be a spectacular display of US military might to honor the US Army’s 250th birthday and Flag Day, which happen to coincide with Trump’s birthday on June 14. “I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday,” Trump told NBC News in a recent interview. “Somebody put it together.” Another proposal in Congress would make Trump’s birthday (and Flag Day) a national holiday. The Trump fighter jet There may also be a fighter jet whose name nods at Trump’s presidency. “It’ll be known as the F-47. The generals picked a title. And it’s a beautiful number. F-47,” Trump said during an appearance in the Oval Office announcing the new contract for Boeing to build a sixth-generation fighter. Trump, in his second term, is the 47th president. And before you ask, no, the F-14 Tomcat did not memorialize 14th US President Franklin Pierce any more than the F-16 Fighting Falcon memorialized Abraham Lincoln. About Mount Rushmore There is at least a conversation in conservative media outlets about placing Trump on Mount Rushmore, the South Dakota rock face that honors George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln. “A lot of people wonder: Will we ever see President Trump’s face on Mount Rushmore? What do you think?” Trump’s daughter-in-law, the Fox News host and former RNC official Lara Trump, asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “Well, they certainly have room for it there,” Burgum said, despite evidence to the contrary. The National Park Service has worked with an engineering firm in past decades to explore the structural integrity of the rock face, and there is no more carvable space, a spokesperson told the Argus Leader in 2020. And the monument is a completed work of art by the sculptor Gutzon Borglum. During Trump’s first term, then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gave him a $1,100 bust of Mount Rushmore featuring his face, knowing he’d appreciate the gesture. She’s now his homeland security secretary. Trump’s desire to see his name printed everywhere is no secret Trump’s eponymous company is pursuing golf, hotel and residential projects in far-flung locations – the Middle East, Indonesia and India. And the company that runs his social media platform bears his initials as its stock ticker. One place that features the faces of living people on its currency is the United Kingdom, which honors its king in that way. But Trump already does have a currency of sorts – a memecoin, which has made a few people a lot of money, including Trump. He celebrated its top investors in a controversial “personal time” event at his Trump-branded golf course earlier this month. How about an airport? Another proposal on Capitol Hill would rename Dulles Airport for Trump, which would give the DC region its second airport named for a Republican. It was President Bill Clinton who signed the bipartisan legislation giving Ronald Reagan’s name to Washington National Airport in 1998. The move was controversial, but ultimately bipartisan. From CNN’s report at the time: The Reagan Legacy Project of the Americans for Tax Reform, a conservative group, launched the airport campaign last year as part of a wider effort to put his name on buildings and his face on Mount Rushmore… Some Democrats offered to name practically anything else for Reagan except that airport, suggesting the Pentagon or Dulles International Airport. Others suggested Reagan had been honored enough with a new office building and a new Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, both of which carry his name. It can take a long, coordinated campaign to get something like an airport named for someone. Reagan was still alive at the time, but suffering from Alzheimer’s, and a full 10 years out of office. Will there still be energy to name things for Trump 10 years from now?
The Mount Rushmore of things people want to name after Trump
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Congress Proposes Various Initiatives to Honor Donald Trump"
CNN
6.2
TruthLens AI Summary
In recent months, members of Congress have put forth various proposals to honor former President Donald Trump, despite significant legal and logistical obstacles. One notable suggestion includes placing Trump’s likeness on the $100 bill, potentially replacing Benjamin Franklin, or introducing a new $250 bill featuring his image. While these ideas are unlikely to materialize, they reflect a broader trend among Trump's supporters to commemorate his presidency. Additionally, a proposal aimed at renaming the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority to 'WMAGA' would result in the Metrorail being dubbed the 'Trump Train.' Another idea proposed 'Trump Accounts,' which would provide seed money to newborns, echoing similar Democratic initiatives. This proposal has already passed the House and awaits Senate consideration. Furthermore, Trump's birthday celebrations are set to coincide with a major military display to honor the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, and there are discussions about designating his birthday, June 14, as a national holiday.
The conversation around Trump's legacy extends to other significant symbols, such as Mount Rushmore, where some conservative media personalities have speculated about the possibility of adding his face alongside those of historical figures like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. However, experts have confirmed that there is no available space on the monument, which is considered a completed work of art. Despite these challenges, Trump’s name continues to be associated with various endeavors, including a proposal to rename Dulles Airport in his honor. The push to commemorate Trump reflects an ongoing campaign to integrate his legacy into American culture, mirroring similar efforts seen in the past with other presidents. As time goes on, questions arise about the sustainability of this momentum and whether future generations will continue to seek to honor Trump in such ways.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores various proposals and ideas aimed at commemorating former President Donald Trump, showcasing the lengths to which some of his supporters and members of Congress are willing to go to honor him. Through a variety of proposed initiatives, such as renaming public transport and creating special accounts for newborns, the piece highlights both the absurdity and the fervent loyalty among Trump’s base.
Legislative Proposals as Symbols of Loyalty
Various legislative proposals aim to honor Trump, such as placing his image on currency, renaming the Washington Metro to "WMAGA," and creating "Trump Accounts" for newborns. These proposals seem largely symbolic, reflecting a desire among Trump's supporters to elevate his legacy. The mention of renaming a commuter train and creating special accounts for babies indicates a push for his image to be ingrained in American culture, despite the practical challenges and legal barriers.
Public Perception and Political Strategy
This article aims to shape public perception by documenting the fervent loyalty of Trump supporters. It underscores the lengths to which they are willing to go in order to honor him, potentially eliciting a mix of amusement and concern from the general public. The absurdity of some proposals may serve to reinforce the divide between Trump supporters and critics, highlighting the polarization in American politics.
Potential Concealment of Broader Issues
While the article humorously details these proposals, it may divert attention from more pressing political and social issues. By focusing on the outlandish aspects of honoring Trump, it could be seen as a way to distract from ongoing political debates or controversies that might be affecting his administration or the Republican Party as a whole.
Manipulative Elements and Reliability
The article features a degree of manipulation through its tone and choice of examples. The humorous framing of the proposals could be interpreted as mocking, which might sway readers' opinions about Trump and his supporters. However, the article does present real legislative efforts, lending it a degree of credibility. The overall reliability of the article is moderate; while it discusses actual proposals, the way these ideas are presented can lead to misinterpretation of their seriousness or viability.
Impact on Various Communities
This news piece seems to resonate particularly with Trump supporters and those who align with his political ideology. It reinforces their beliefs and could serve to galvanize them further. Conversely, it may alienate those who oppose Trump, deepening the existing political divide.
Potential Economic and Market Implications
While the article itself may not have direct implications on the stock market, the political climate it describes could influence investor sentiment. Companies associated with the transportation sector, for example, might be indirectly affected by public sentiment regarding infrastructure and funding, especially if proposals like renaming the Metro gain traction.
Geopolitical Relevance
In terms of geopolitical implications, the article does not address any international concerns. However, the political climate surrounding Trump could affect foreign relations and America's standing on the world stage, especially if his supporters' fervor influences domestic policy.
Given the nature of the proposals and their framing, the article does contain manipulative elements, particularly in how it presents the proposals as both amusing and emblematic of a larger trend. The language used aims to evoke a reaction, leaving readers to question the seriousness of the proposals while also highlighting the loyalty of Trump's base.