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Trump Pushes Name Onto U.S. Institutions With Kennedy Center Rebrand and Proposed 'Trump‑Class' Warships

The moves face legal scrutiny over democratic naming norms.

Overview

  • Trustees at the Kennedy Center, reshaped this year by Trump appointees, installed new exterior signage adding his name to the congressionally designated memorial to John F. Kennedy.
  • Democratic critics argue the board lacks authority to rename a building established by Congress, setting up a potential legal challenge to the rebranding.
  • At Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump and Pentagon officials unveiled plans for a proposed class of Navy warships bearing his name, outlining two initial vessels costing up to $15 billion each and a longer‑term goal of as many as 20.
  • Navy Secretary John Phelan publicly praised the concept, while defense experts questioned the strategic rationale, feasibility and expense of such large ships.
  • Related branding steps include drafted Treasury designs for a Trump $1 coin for the 250th anniversary and a National Park Service policy adding June 14 as a free‑admission day while promoting Trump’s image on park passes.