America Needs an Edifice Complex Prevention Act
The article criticizes the Trump administration's practice of placing President Donald Trump's name and image on government buildings, documents, and programs, such as commemorative passports and the renaming of federal facilities. The author, Dan Greenberg, draws from personal experience in Arkansas politics to argue against self-glorification in public office and proposes a ban on naming public structures after living officials. He highlights historical precedents and expresses concern over the misuse of government resources for personal branding.
- ▪The Trump administration plans to issue commemorative passports featuring Donald Trump's image and signature, replacing Francis Scott Key's portrait.
- ▪President Trump will be the first living American to appear on a U.S. passport.
- ▪Greenberg previously proposed the 'Edifice Complex Prevention Act' in Arkansas to ban naming state buildings after living politicians.
- ▪Congress banned the depiction of living persons on U.S. currency and bonds in 1866 after Spencer M. Clark placed his own image on a federal note.
- ▪Buildings and programs such as the Trump Kennedy Center and Trump Accounts reflect the administration's pattern of self-commemoration.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Dan Greenberg / May 5, 2026 America Needs an Edifice Complex Prevention Act Public service, especially the presidency, shouldn’t be an exercise in self-glorification. Politics “Donald J. Trump" is added to the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts on December 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images) “Donald J. Trump" is added to the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts on December 19, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images) Audio Audio Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening. Text Size Members can share articles with friends & family to bypass the paywall.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Dispatch.
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