The Guardian view on Trump’s omnipresence: commanding attention like a king The article compares the ubiquitous presence of Donald Trump’s image and name on buildings and proposed currency to authoritarian regimes, noting that thriving democracies typically avoid such displays for sitting leaders. It highlights that while Trump’s actions may stem from vanity or brand-building, such displays matter as a statement of ambition and blur political authority with personal profit. Research suggests that while such propaganda might not be effective in gaining support, Americans largely disapprove of naming government buildings after Trump while he is in office.

• Authoritarian regimes use the ubiquity of their leader’s image, seen in countries like North Korea and Turkmenistan.
• Thriving democracies typically avoid glorifying leaders while they are in power, with George Washington refusing to appear on currency.
• The Trump administration proposed a $250 bill depicting Trump and his signature will appear on $100 bills, both firsts for a sitting US president.
• Banners with Trump’s face appeared at federal departments, and he reportedly offered infrastructure funds in exchange for renaming federal locations.
• Trump is associated with a monument-building spree, including a $1.4bn White House ballroom project.
• The article suggests Trump’s actions may be driven by vanity, brand-building, or sycophantic attempts at ingratiation.
• Research on propaganda in the UAE and China suggests that overt displays of leaders’ images may not increase compliance or support and could even backfire.
• Pew Center research indicates only 9% of Americans found it acceptable to name government buildings after Trump while in office.
• Quinnipiac polling suggests 68% of voters felt Trump was not focusing enough on their problems.