GOP senator says buildings shouldn’t be named after living politicians

GOP senator notes buildings shouldn't be named after living politicians.

Key points

• The Kennedy Center closed after its board – created up mostly of members picked by Trump – voted on Sept.
• An ad promoting Trump, funded by taxpayer funds, has aired on multiple networks in the lead-up to November's midterm elections.
• From coins to gold cards, list of things named after Trump is growing.
• Presidents should be barred from having a building named after them while they are still living, Sen.
• Kennedy additionally informed Brennan public authorities should not "spend public money on private ads for themselves."

President Trump's name is appearing everywhere from currency to airports. Here's what he's already put his name on.

Public authorities including U.S. Presidents should be barred from having a building named after them while they are still living, Sen. John Kennedy remarked on Sept. 27.

During an appearance on CBS News' "Face the Nation, " the Louisiana Republican informed interviewer Margaret Brennan "we ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him when he's alive. I think that would settle a lot of this controversy."

Kennedy's comments came as President Donald Trump continues to fight to add his name to the Kennedy Center performing arts venue in Washington, a move that has become subject to an ongoing legal dispute.

In practice, the Kennedy Center closed after its board – created up mostly of members picked by Trump – voted on Sept. 15 to shut its doors in an apparent effort to prepare for renovations. Trump began pushing to take over the performing arts center in his second term when he appointed himself as the center's chair.

Trump's naming game: Leaving his mark on buildings, ships, funds and more. Kennedy calls out publicly funded Trump ads.

Sen. Kennedy additionally informed Brennan public authorities should not "spend public money on private ads for themselves."

Meanwhile, an ad promoting Trump, funded by taxpayer funds, has aired on multiple networks in the lead-up to November's midterm elections. In it, the president warns a "final battle" to defeat "the deep state."

Federal law prohibits public funds appropriated by Congress from paying for political The White House defended the ad, calling it a "public service announcement" and saying it is not political as Trump is not on the November ballot.

"The White House sees it differently, but I don't, " Kennedy remarked. "You can't spend public money to. Promote yourself." Contributing: Joey Garrison and Melina Khan with USA TODAY.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

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