Airports, tickets, institutions or Mount Rushmore: the unprecedented cult to the image of Trump

The U.S. state of Florida has officially renamed its Palm Beach International Airport after former President Donald J. Trump, marking yet another instance of his growing influence over public infrastructure and symbols. The change was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican who ran against Trump in the 2024 primary elections. DeSantis emphasized that the renaming was not a direct request from Trump, but rather an initiative by the legislature, though many remain skeptical of this claim. The renaming of the airport follows a broader pattern of efforts to associate Trump’s name with major national landmarks and institutions. Earlier this year, reports surfaced suggesting that during negotiations over federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, connecting New York and New Jersey, Trump had proposed that two key infrastructure projects, the Washington Dulles International Airport and Penn Station in New York, be renamed in his honor. While Trump later denied these claims, the White House confirmed that such discussions had taken place. Some lawmakers aligned with Trump have even suggested renaming parts of the Washington Metro system to reflect his leadership initiatives. In addition to airports and transportation hubs, Trump has sought to embed his image into other aspects of American life. He has pushed for the creation of a grand Arc de Triomphe-style monument in Washington, D.C., similar to the one in Paris. He also renamed the U.S. Institute of Peace to the Trump Institute of Peace and established a separate Peace Commission under his name, which aims to replace traditional international organizations like the United Nations. This commission requires participating countries to make substantial financial contributions, all under Trump's oversight. Trump has also attempted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, changing its name to the Trump Kennedy Center. However, this move faced backlash due to declining attendance and widespread cancellations by artists. A court eventually halted the renaming and subsequent closure of the center for renovation. Despite these setbacks, Trump continues to push for physical manifestations of his legacy, including plans to commemorate his birthday with military parades or public events. His obsession with visibility extends to historical sites. For two consecutive years, Trump has delivered speeches before the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, where the faces of four U.S. presidents, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, are carved. In 2020, following a report by The New York Times that the White House had asked the previous administration to consider using the site for a presidential address, Trump continued to leverage the location for political messaging. Trump’s actions have sparked controversy among critics and some members of his own party. Many argue that his insistence on renaming public spaces and institutions reflects an unhealthy focus on personal branding rather than public service. Others, however, view these moves as part of a larger effort to ensure his lasting impact on American history. As he seeks to solidify his place alongside the nation’s most revered leaders, the extent of his influence, and how it will be perceived, remains uncertain.