Sen. John Kennedy Urges Ban On Naming Public Buildings After Living Politicians

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) proposed a new rule that would bar naming government buildings and infrastructure after living politicians, arguing the change would curb controversy and stop public officials from using taxpayer-funded resources for self-promotion.

Kennedy's Proposal And Rationale

Speaking on CBS' Face the Nation, Kennedy criticized the use of government-funded advertisements that prominently feature elected officials and argued that taxpayers should not pay for what amounts to private promotion.

"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," Kennedy told host Margaret Brennan. He added, "We ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him while he's alive."

State Law And Precedent

Kennedy noted that Louisiana already generally prohibits naming public buildings and bridges after living people, though the legislature can approve exceptions. He suggested a similar national norm could prevent disputes and perceived self-dealing.

Context: Recent Naming Efforts Involving President Trump

The proposal comes amid several actions and proposals to attach President Donald J. Trump's name to public institutions and infrastructure while he remains in office. Examples cited include:

• The U.S. Institute of Peace was renamed the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace last year.
• The Kennedy Center board moved to add Mr. Trump's name to the center's formal title — a change that has faced legal challenges.
• Florida lawmakers renamed Palm Beach International Airport the President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
• In Louisiana, legislators considered naming a proposed Mississippi River bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway, after State Rep. Mike Echols (R-Monroe) introduced legislation to designate the planned crossing between Louisiana Highways 1 and 30 with that name.

Supporters of such namings have argued they can attract presidential attention and help secure federal support for local projects. House Bill 221, which would have designated the bridge name in Louisiana, passed the Louisiana House but stalled in the Senate and did not become law.

Administration Response And Final Point

Kennedy said the White House disagrees with his position, but he reiterated his view that taxpayer money should not be used by public officials to promote themselves. He suggested a simple rule — no living politician's name on public buildings — would resolve many of these disputes.

Report compiled from comments made on CBS' Face the Nation and recent legislative and institutional naming actions.