Donald Trump’s Expanding Legacy: A Look at Structures and Programs Bearing His Name

Former President Donald Trump has been actively attaching his name to various structures and programs since leaving office in 2021, a practice that has drawn both attention and scrutiny. While past presidents have often been honored posthumously or after leaving office, Trump’s efforts have been more immediate, sparking debate about the appropriateness and speed of these recognitions.

The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts

In December 2026, the Board of Trustees voted to rename the Kennedy Center “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Prior to the official renaming, Trump alluded to the change during an event, referring to the “Trump Kennedy Center” before correcting himself, as reported by the White House. Reports indicate Trump had previously handpicked the board of trustees.

Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace

Trump sought to rename the U.S. Institute of Peace, motivated by a desire for recognition similar to the Nobel Peace Prize. This effort involved ousting the existing Board of Trustees and initiating a renaming process, which led to a legal challenge that remains ongoing, according to the Associated Press.

Trump-class U.S.S. Defiant

The former president announced the creation of a new class of battleships, to be named “Trump-class,” with the first ship designated as the USS Defiant. Navy Secretary John Phelan described the future battleship as “the largest, deadliest and most versatile and best-looking warship anywhere on the world’s oceans,” with construction expected to create jobs across multiple states, as reported by USNI News.

Trump Gold Card

In 2025, Trump introduced a $1 million “Gold Card” residency program aimed at attracting wealthy immigrants. Applicants are required to pay $15,000 to secure the card, which is intended to expedite the citizenship process. The administration reported approximately 10,000 initial applicants, according to Reuters. Trump characterized the card as “a Green Card, but much better.”

Trump Accounts

Through the “Big Beautiful Bill Act,” Trump established “Trump Accounts” to provide a $1,000 government stipend for children born between 2025 and 2028. The funds can be used for any purpose once the child reaches 18. Critics have questioned whether $1,000 is a sufficient amount to meaningfully support a child’s future.

TrumpRx

In October 2025, the administration proposed TrumpRx.gov, a federal website designed to allow direct purchase of certain prescription medications from participating manufacturers at discounted prices. A deal was struck with AbbVie to reduce the cost of specific drugs, as reported by CNN. The overall impact on the federal budget remains unclear, as TrumpRx currently covers only a fraction of all drugs sold in the United States.

$1 Gold Coin Featuring Trump’s Face

The U.S. Treasury’s advisory board approved a design for a 24-karat gold coin featuring a portrait of President Trump. The design was unanimously approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were handpicked by Trump, as reported by USA Today. The coin is part of a series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S., but the Trump administration declined to mint coins honoring civil rights figures.