Unlike past presidents, who typically receive such honors post-presidency, Trump has pursued these namings while in office, sometimes through legally questionable means or political leverage. His efforts have faced public and bipartisan criticism, with polls indicating most Americans believe he prioritizes self-interest over national good. This focus on self-glorification comes amid economic challenges and declining public trust.
In a related incident, Trump excluded Democratic governors from traditional bipartisan events, further highlighting his partisan approach. Additionally, he has repeatedly made baseless claims about election integrity and attempted to influence electoral processes, raising concerns about democratic norms.
A federal judge recently ordered the administration to release $16 billion for a New York–New Jersey tunnel project, which Trump had withheld—another example of his use of federal resources for political leverage. Throughout, his actions reflect a pattern of prioritizing personal recognition and gain over established precedent and public interest.