The president of the United States, Donald Trumphas never hidden his desire to be remembered as the best president in history to pass through the White House. A statement that he himself has defended on several occasions. Proof of this are his constant efforts to impose your image and your name to all the buildings, departments and institutions that it reaches from the oval office. Which, at any moment, could become a new victim of their vain aspirations.
His efforts to leave an indissoluble mark are clear with the reform – not to say dismantling or destruction – of the east wing of the white house to build a dance hall; and the implementation of a ‘walk of fame‘ of presidents where he misrepresents the figure of many of his predecessors: especially the Democrats Joe Bidenwhose photo is an ‘autopen’ rather than a portrait; and Barack Obamawhom he defines as “one of the most divisive political leaders in American history.”
But there are also other more “subtle” gestures, which Trump masters like an expert. Yes, as a business magnate he put his name on practically all of his buildings and made it an essential part of the brand, as president he seeks to do the same: leave his name “for history” in all those he reaches. And although this has rarely been done with a president activehis latest quip to name a new class of warships after himself is just one more in an ever-growing list.
During a press conference held this Monday from his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, the US president announced the production of new large warships named “Clase Trump USS Defiant”. Some vessels that according to Trump will be “the best in the world”, which will weigh around 30,000 and 40,000 tons and whose first two examples will be ready in approximately two and a half years. Although its objective is to achieve the 20 or 25 boatsin what will be, according to the 79-year-old magnate, the “largest warships in the history” of the United States and even “the world.”
The case of the ships is not an isolated incident, but rather adds to a list that continues to grow and of which institutions of the most diverse nature have been victims. The most recent, prior to this last case, is that of John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Artsto which Trump added his name on December 20, one day after the members of the board of directors, all elected by the Republican, accepted this change.
A measure that, according to the White House press secretary, Caroline Leavittwas taken to recognize “the incredible work that President Trump has done over this last year to save the building,” but which has nevertheless been quickly rejected by the Kennedy family. Even the great-nephew of the former president assassinated in 1963, Joe Kennedy IIIdoubted the legality of this change.
But Trump’s efforts are not only directed at the world of the arts. In his tireless efforts to present himself as the “champion” of world peace –and thus obtain his long-awaited Nobel Peace Prize–, on December 3, the North American State Department changed the name of the Peace Institute to rebaptize it with the Trump brand. Thus, the day after this modification was approved, this center dependent on Congress and located in Washington DC already reflected its new title: Trump Peace Institute.
With all this, the American president’s intentions go far beyond the material and the large centers with his name. Also, as the self-proclaimed sociopath that he is – he himself has sold it as a virtue – he has recently given his name to other measures approved by his Administration. Specifically, to the calls “Trump Accounts”for children: a type of investment fund so that families can deposit money and that, within limits, they grow tax-free; and the “Trump Golden Visa”some cards presented at the beginning of this year, with cost close to a million dollars and aimed at wealthy foreigners that will open a “direct path” to citizenship for those willing to pay.
Outside of politics, Trump’s ambitions also reach the world of sports. On November 7, Leavitt sent an email to the American network ESPN, where he announced that the Republican wanted the Washington Commandersan NFL team based in the US capital, They will baptize their new stadium under his name. “It would be a nice name, since it was President Trump who made the reconstruction of this new stadium possible,” said Trump’s press secretary.
And although it is still too early to know if this will end up happening, White House sources admitted to ESPN that the Trump Administration had already contacted the management of the American Football franchise. “It’s what the president wants, and it’s what will surely end up happening.”
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