How Do You Spell “Vanity”? T.R.U.M.P.

Of course, the final verdict and evaluation regarding President Trump are still out. The consequences of his policies will not be known for decades to come. The majority of U.S. citizens (including myself) do not approve of Trump’s actions (tariffs, war with Iran, denial of climate change, weaponization of the government, treatment of immigrants, reduction in health care, just to name a few).

Nevertheless, an overwhelming majority of citizens would agree that Trump is the vainest of all the presidents we have ever had. His cabinet meetings seem like a praise fest to the leader of a cult. His appointment of people to important positions (like Pulte to direct the Department of National Intelligence) is based on fealty to him, not on experience or expertise. But the vainest of all is his attempt to put his name or picture on numerous monuments and/or government documents. Let me just identify some of the worst examples.

1. Trump’s picture on a future $250 bill. This proposal is not just an exhibition of vanity. It is also illegal. In 1866, Congress passed a law prohibiting the depiction of a living person on currency notes, bonds or securities. Another law clarifies that currency is minted in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. A $250 bill is not included.
2. Trump’s picture on U.S. passports. The new commemorative passport will begin to be issued in July. This decision is making waves as Trump makes history by being the first living president featured inside a U.S. passport. The inside cover will display Trump’s portrait alongside his signature and the Declaration of Independence.
3. Trump has proposed the construction of an arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, without congressional approval. This arch would be more than twice as tall as the famous arch in Paris. Vietnam veterans are suing the Trump administration to halt the construction of the arch. The veterans argued that planned height — twice that of the 99-foot-tall Lincoln Memorial — would obstruct the view between the two hallowed memorials in a “disrespectful” manner. The president had been remarkably candid about the purpose of the construction. Last year, when asked who the arch was for, Trump said, “me”.
4. Earlier in his second presidential administration, Trump added his own name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Last Friday, a federal judge ruled that the Center cannot be renamed without an act of Congress. The judge ruled that Trump’s name be removed from the building and its website within two weeks.

These and other acts of vanity are not helping the president. Polls show that each new proposal correlates to a drop in his approval rate. Citizens prefer that he work on the economy and affordability, not on his ego. More than scorn, Trump needs our pity. His wife, Melania, and others in his inner circle, need to lead him away from these ridiculous attempts at grandeur and towards the better path of true service of others.