Article written by Matty Reiss, Feb 10th 2026

Trump's on a Renaming Spree

The Donald Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts façade during renaming installation. The Guardian, 2026.

Over the past few months, a growing political controversy has emerged surrounding former President Donald Trump and efforts to rename public spaces, cultural institutions, and national landmarks after him. From airports and train stations to theaters and federal buildings, the debate reflects deeper questions about presidential legacy, political symbolism, and the boundaries of personal branding in public office. While some supporters see these moves as recognition of Trump’s influence, critics argue they represent an unprecedented attempt to attach a sitting leader’s name to national institutions.

Airports, Stations, and Infrastructure are in the Spotlight for Trump's Image

One of the most widely discussed proposals involves renaming major transportation hubs. Reports in early 2026 indicated that Trump suggested renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station after himself. According to multiple news sources, the idea surfaced during negotiations over federal funding for a major rail tunnel project between New York and New Jersey. Trump allegedly offered to release billions in infrastructure funds if political leaders supported renaming the landmarks, though the proposal was rejected. The controversy sparked intense political backlash. Critics argued that tying federal infrastructure funding to personal recognition crossed ethical lines and reflected a broader push to brand government institutions with Trump’s name. Efforts to rename airports after Trump are not entirely new. In previous years, lawmakers proposed renaming airports in places such as Florida and Virginia, though most attempts stalled or failed to pass through Congress. These proposals highlight how major infrastructure, traditionally named after historic figures long after their deaths, has become part of a modern political branding debate.

Affects on Cultural Institutions and Theaters 

Beyond transportation, cultural landmarks have also been drawn into the naming controversy. In 2025, the board of the Kennedy Center voted to add Trump’s name to the iconic performing arts institution, temporarily rebranding it as the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” However, legal questions quickly emerged because federal law formally designates the institution under President John F. Kennedy’s name, and some lawmakers argued the board lacked authority to make the change permanent. The symbolic importance of the Kennedy Center, one of the nation’s most recognized cultural venues, made the move especially controversial. Supporters viewed it as honoring Trump’s leadership, while critics saw it as politicizing a traditionally bipartisan cultural institution.

Renaming Geography and National Symbols

The debate extends beyond buildings to geographic and symbolic landmarks. In 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to revert the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley and to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The order framed these changes as restoring historical naming traditions tied to American identity. Although these renamings did not attach Trump’s own name to the landmarks, they reflected a broader pattern of reshaping national symbolism and public space during his presidency. Supporters saw the moves as patriotic, while critics viewed them as politically motivated and historically contentious.

Breaking Presidential Tradition

Historians note that naming major government assets after a sitting president is extremely rare. Traditionally, airports, federal buildings, and monuments are named posthumously to honor long-term historical impact rather than current political power. Experts have described the recent wave of naming proposals tied to Trump as unusual in both scale and timing. Even when local governments have honored Trump with roads or boulevards, the number and visibility of such recognitions while he remained politically active have drawn national attention and debate.

The Public's Reaction

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding renaming landmarks after Trump reflects a broader struggle over presidential legacy in real time. Supporters argue that Trump reshaped American politics, strengthened national identity, and deserves recognition comparable to past presidents whose names appear on airports and institutions. Critics counter that legacy should be judged historically, not politically, and warn against mixing public infrastructure with personal branding. Whether these naming efforts succeed or fail, the debate highlights how symbols and names on buildings, airports, and monuments carry powerful political meaning. As discussions continue, the question remains not only about Trump himself but also about how modern America chooses to commemorate leadership, history, and national identity. 

Citations: 

“Trump Says He’ll Free Infrastructure Funds for New York if Penn Station Is Renamed After Him.” The Guardian, 6 Feb. 2026.

“Trump Wanted Dulles Airport and Penn Station Renamed After Him in Exchange for Funding N.Y.C. Tunnel Project: Reports.” People, 6 Feb. 2026.

“Democrats Erupt Over Trump Push to Rename Dulles, Penn Station.” Axios, 6 Feb. 2026.

“The List of Everything Trump Wants Renamed After Himself in His Second Term.” inkl, 2026.

“Trump, Trump and More Trump: President Reportedly Wants Landmarks Named After Him.” Straight Arrow News, 2026.

“Kennedy Center.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2026.

“Executive Order 14172.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2026.