Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) floated an idea about a rule to ban the naming of buildings after living public officials while sparking a conversation about public spending on self-promotion ads.
The senator, during an interview with CBS News Face the Nation on Sunday, expressed his belief that there should be a "rule" that no politician should have a building named after them while they're still alive. "I think that would settle a lot of this controversy," he said.
He also said, "I don't think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves."
He added that he believes a "rule" should prohibit the use of public funds for self-promotion. "We have that rule in Louisiana. It works pretty well," he added.
Trump Ads Draw Fresh Scrutiny
Sen. Kennedy's proposal comes on the heels of a taxpayer-funded White House advertisement featuring Trump, aired during commercial breaks of two NFL games on Sunday, CNN reported. The ad showed Trump walking through a hall while a voiceover described a "final battle" against communists, Marxists, fascists and the "fake news media."
Over the past few days, two more government-funded ads were aired on similar lines. In a statement to the publication, White House defended it as a public service announcement promoting national pride. A spokesperson called it "educational and unapologetically patriotic," saying Americans should be proud of their country.
White House did not immediately respond to MarketDash's request for comments.
Trump's Naming Push Faces Pushback
Since returning to office, Trump has been linked to projects and changes featuring his name or likeness, including his image on passports, a proposed 250-foot arch and major White House renovations such as a new ballroom and redesigned Rose Garden.
The Kennedy Center board's efforts to add Trump's name to the building have faced repeated legal setbacks, with a federal judge blocking the move twice. Trump has also suggested the center could close or be demolished, while officials have pointed to the complex's long-standing deterioration.
Last week, however, Trump denied reports suggesting that he intended to affix his name to the historic Ford's Theatre, where former President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Trump clarified on Truth Social that neither he nor his administration had plans to "affix" his name to Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by MarketDash editors.
