Ex-GOP Adviser Condemns Trump's Face on Government Buildings

Former strategist calls it 'tyranny' as Trump's image adorns Justice Department

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Former Republican strategist Amanda Carpenter strongly criticized the decision to display a large banner depicting President Donald Trump's face on the facade of the Department of Justice building, calling it a blatant attempt by Trump to place himself 'above the law' and a form of 'propaganda' that most Americans will reject.

Why it matters

Carpenter's comments highlight growing concerns about Trump's ongoing efforts to undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law, even after leaving office, as he continues to spread false claims of voter fraud and seeks to exert influence over election processes.

The details

During an appearance on MS NOW's 'Deadline: White House', Carpenter expressed outrage over the Justice Department banner, saying it looks like Trump is declaring 'I am above the law.' She argued that most Americans will see this as a rejection of democratic norms and 'a sort of tyranny' that the country was founded to oppose.

  • The banner was unveiled at the Department of Justice building on February 19, 2026.

The players

Amanda Carpenter

A former Republican strategist who has become a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose image was displayed on a banner at the Department of Justice building.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if you saw, Nicolle, but to Donald Trump put his image in a big banner over the Department of Justice, right above the words Department of Justice, literally as if, 'Look, I am above the law,'”

— Amanda Carpenter, Former Republican Strategist (MS NOW)

“You can celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, but you can say no to that. You can say no to this looming image hanging over your head, his mugshot, what it looks like on the Department of Justice and say that has gone too far because, you know, this sort of propaganda presidency that we see, this is about him taking up public space that he doesn't own or deserve our tax dollars, pay for that building, and those prosecutors to uphold the rule of law, not protect Donald Trump and do his bidding.”

— Amanda Carpenter, Former Republican Strategist (MS NOW)

What’s next

It remains to be seen how the public and government officials will respond to the controversial banner, and whether it will further fuel concerns about Trump's efforts to undermine democratic institutions.

The takeaway

Carpenter's strong condemnation of the Justice Department banner highlights the deep divisions in the country over Trump's legacy and the ongoing struggle to uphold the rule of law and democratic norms in the face of authoritarian tendencies.