Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) led 18 of his colleagues in introducing the Federal Naming Standards Act. This legislation would prevent federal buildings, facilities, and programs from being named after elected officials or political appointees until at least 10 years after they leave office. Even beyond that time frame, no former official who makes more than $1 million annually from the commercial use of their name or likeness would be able to have anything named after them.
“At a time when public trust in government is under strain, Congress must ensure that public institutions serve the public—not the interests of any individual officeholder,” said congressman Foster. “President (Donald) Trump’s attempts to put his name on the Kennedy Center, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and a new fleet of Navy vessels are especially concerning due to his family’s commercial empire. By attaching his personal brand to federally funded institutions and initiatives, he is using the presidency to further his private business interests, raising serious ethical concerns.”
—Office of congressman Bill Foster