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President Donald Trump's name and face are appearing across major national infrastructure, public services, and financial systems throughout the United States. Beyond mere commemorative projects, Trump's name is now being used on airport names, national currency, passports, and government programs, intensifying the debate in American society over "personal idolization."
According to The Washington Post (WP) and other outlets on the 19th (local time), the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled a new $1 gold coin commemorating the 250th anniversary of America's founding. The coin bears a portrait of President Trump. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "This coin, featuring President Trump, celebrates the strength of American values."
However, some pointed out that it may run afoul of an 1866 federal law prohibiting the use of a living person's portrait on national currency.
The Treasury also began printing President Trump's handwritten signature, alongside the Treasury Secretary's signature, on all U.S. federal banknotes, including the $100 bill. Replacing the previous signature of the Treasurer of the United States, this marks the first time in American history that a sitting president's signature has appeared on U.S. federal currency.
Florida's Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) officially changed its name to "Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT)" starting on the 9th. The name change was finalized when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the relevant bill, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) three-letter airport code will also change to "DJT" starting August 18.
From passports and gold cards to warships… spreading across public systems
President Trump's name is being attached to various administration programs one after another. The State Department began issuing limited-edition passports featuring Trump's face and gold signature, and introduced the "Trump Gold Card" program, which grants expedited permanent residency to foreigners who donate $1 million (about 1.5 billion won).
In addition, a tax-free savings account in which the government provides $1,000 (about 1.5 million won) to newborns born during his term was named the "Trump Account," and a government website offering discounts on certain medications, "TrumpRx," was also launched.
President Trump's name has also been used in the military sphere. The Navy's next-generation warship was named the "Trump-class," and Boeing's new fighter jet was given the name "F-47," reflecting that Trump is the 47th president. Annual national park passes were issued with the faces of both the first president, George Washington, and President Trump printed together, and some users were seen covering Trump's face with stickers.
"Honoring historic achievements" vs. "Privatizing public assets"… debate intensifies in the U.S.
Yahoo News reported that these moves have sparked ongoing debate in American society. Supporters view them as measures to honor President Trump's historic achievements and to foster patriotism as America marks the 250th anniversary of its founding.
Opponents, on the other hand, criticize that national assets and public funds are being used as tools to strengthen a particular politician's personal brand.
Indeed, an attempt to add Trump's name to the "Kennedy Center," established to honor former President John F. Kennedy, was ruled unlawful by a federal court. As a result, Trump's name that had been installed on the building's exterior wall was removed.
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