Opinion: Why Everything Should Be Named After Me

From emperors to presidents, the urge to immortalize oneself in stone, steel and statute rarely outlasts the sands of time.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In this opinion piece, the author Bruce Botelho discusses the phenomenon of "toponymic narcissism" - the practice of public figures naming places after themselves to satisfy their ego-driven need for admiration and permanence. Botelho cites examples throughout history of leaders like Caligula, Nero, and Trump who have engaged in this behavior, and argues that while it is rare in a democratic society, Trump has made it a hallmark of his presidency.

Why it matters

Botelho argues that Trump's compulsive need to brand everything with his name, from government institutions to natural landmarks, is a concerning trend that undermines democratic norms and institutions. He suggests this narcissistic behavior is a distraction from more pressing issues facing the country.

The details

Botelho provides several examples of Trump's attempts to immortalize his name, including renaming the United States Institute of Peace, the Kennedy Center, and even considering renaming landmarks like the Gulf of Mexico and major transportation hubs like Penn Station and Dulles International Airport. He argues these actions are an abuse of presidential power driven by Trump's ego.

  • In 2026, President Donald Trump spoke about 'TrumpRx' in the South Court Auditorium in the Old Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is known for his compulsive need to brand everything with his name.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who rejected a deal proposed by Trump to name Penn Station and Dulles International Airport after himself in exchange for releasing funds for a tunnel project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While he did not achieve the Nobel Peace Prize, he renamed the United States Institute of Peace, whose staff was decimated by DOGE, the 'Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace.' Naming himself chair of the Kennedy Center and replacing the entire board, this pre-eminent institution is now the 'Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,' to be closed for two years to renovate the renovations made seven years ago.”

— Bruce Botelho, Former Alaska Attorney General (adn.com)

The takeaway

Botelho argues that Trump's narcissistic behavior in naming institutions and landmarks after himself is a concerning trend that undermines democratic norms and institutions, and serves as a distraction from more pressing issues facing the country.