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Boston Globe
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
All the ways Republicans want to honor Trump, from the $100 bill to Mount Rushmore
It's a legislative exercise that mixes flattery and politics, providing another stark reminder of the Republican Party's transformation under Trump as lawmakers from red-leaning states and congressional districts look for ways to win the president's good graces — and stay close to his supporters. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Doug Heye, a Republican strategist who served as communications director of the Republican National Committee, said the bills have an important audience despite their seeming frivolity. Advertisement 'This is more about one person,' Heye said. 'It's not, 'Hey, voters, look what I'm trying to do for Donald.' It's, 'Hey, Donald, look what I'm trying to do for you.'' No time to waste House Republicans moved quickly to honor Trump after his second term began. The bill to rename Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump was introduced 72 hours after his swearing-in. 'Best president in my lifetime,' said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Addison McDowell of North Carolina. 'And I can't think of a better way to honor somebody than to cement their place in history by naming an international airport in our nation's capital after him.' Advertisement Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas waited a few more weeks before sponsoring his bill to put Trump's picture on the $100 bill. His legislation stated no $100 bill printed after Dec. 31, 2028, could be printed without Trump's portrait on the front, even though federal law bans living figures from being placed on U.S. currency. That law, enacted just after the Civil War, was intended to avoid the appearance of a monarchy. Another proposal from Rep. Greg Steube of Florida would rename Washington's subway system the Trump Train. There's also a bill from Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York combining Trump's birthday with Flag Day to designate June 14 a federal holiday. Perhaps the most daring idea comes from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who wants the Interior secretary to arrange for Trump's likeness to be carved into Mount Rushmore alongside Washington, Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. She has two models of it in her office. Luna said through two assassination attempts and a 'sham impeachment,' Trump has 'shown not just resiliency in character but also to have been able to do what no other president has been able to accomplish.' Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina admits he wasn't enamored with Trump at first. Now, Wilson carries a pamphlet he gives to colleagues asking them to sponsor a bill that would direct the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to design and print a $250 bill bearing Trump's image. The honor would coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence. Advertisement 'I believe the president has served in a such a manner that he deserves it,' Wilson said. It's not just a few random Republicans taking part. In the GOP's tax cut and immigration law, leadership changed the name of a new type of savings account for children from 'MAGA accounts' to 'Trump accounts.' 'Because Trump is a transformational leader and he advocated for them,' Rep. Jason Smith, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said of the name change. The Nobel Peace Prize Several lawmakers are also talking Trump up as someone who should win the Nobel Peace Prize. As a candidate, Trump promised he would end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day in office before saying later as president he was joking. Solving that conflict and Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has eluded Trump. But Republicans — and at least one foreign leader, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — are still proposing Trump receive the prize. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio has called on the Senate to nominate Trump, while Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee asked her social media followers to share her post if they agree he deserves it. Tenney recently wrote on X she has nominated Trump twice and will continue to do so until he's awarded the prize. Honoring Melania Trump, too An appropriations bill making its way through the House includes an amendment from Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho that would name the Opera House at the Kennedy Center for first lady Melania Trump. Simpson said the White House didn't know about the amendment until it was introduced. He said the effort is different from renaming Dulles Airport in Trump's honor because the theater isn't currently named after anyone. Advertisement 'She's just been a supporter of the arts, always has been, and we're trying to keep the arts alive in this bill,' Simpson said. 'So we thought it was the appropriate thing to do.' Smart politics For many Republicans, lauding Trump in legislation is simply smart politics. Trump's endorsement helped catapult many lawmakers into elected office, and his support could be helpful as individual members try to get their priorities into law. Plus, Trump wields his endorsement aggressively to replace members he finds disloyal and reward allies. He's already endorsed Gill and Luna for reelection in 2026, calling them 'MAGA Warriors.' But the power of a Trump endorsement extends beyond the primary, especially in the midterm elections. 'In the general election, they just send a signal to Trump voters to turn out, to trust somebody and vote for them,' said Steve Stivers, former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Democrats have taken note of the flurry of Trump tributes, seeing it as a chance to portray a pliant Republican majority as being focused on placating Trump rather than helping Americans. 'House Republicans continue to embarrass themselves,' said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. 'These people are sycophants.'
Hamilton Spectator
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
All the ways Republicans want to honor Trump, from the $100 bill to Mount Rushmore
WASHINGTON (AP) — Imagine getting the day off work for Donald Trump's birthday. Receiving a $100 bill with Trump's portrait on it. Touching down at Donald J. Trump International Airport near the nation's capital. And taking in a show at the Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts. All would be possible under a flurry of bills Republican lawmakers have sponsored this year. Trump is little more than six months into his second term, but some Republicans are ready to elevate him into the pantheon of American greats, proposing an ever-growing list of bills paying tribute well before his second term ends. One lawmaker even proposes carving his face into Mount Rushmore . It's a legislative exercise that mixes flattery and politics, providing another stark reminder of the Republican Party's transformation under Trump as lawmakers from red-leaning states and congressional districts look for ways to win the president's good graces — and stay close to his supporters. Doug Heye, a Republican strategist who served as communications director of the Republican National Committee , said the bills have an important audience despite their seeming frivolity. 'This is more about one person,' Heye said. 'It's not, 'Hey, voters, look what I'm trying to do for Donald.' It's, 'Hey, Donald, look what I'm trying to do for you.'' No time to waste House Republicans moved quickly to honor Trump after his second term began. The bill to rename Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump was introduced 72 hours after his swearing-in . 'Best president in my lifetime,' said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Addison McDowell of North Carolina. 'And I can't think of a better way to honor somebody than to cement their place in history by naming an international airport in our nation's capital after him.' Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas waited a few more weeks before sponsoring his bill to put Trump's picture on the $100 bill. His legislation stated no $100 bill printed after Dec. 31, 2028, could be printed without Trump's portrait on the front, even though federal law bans living figures from being placed on U.S. currency. That law, enacted just after the Civil War, was intended to avoid the appearance of a monarchy. Another proposal from Rep. Greg Steube of Florida would rename Washington's subway system the Trump Train. There's also a bill from Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York combining Trump's birthday with Flag Day to designate June 14 a federal holiday. Perhaps the most daring idea comes from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who wants the Interior secretary to arrange for Trump's likeness to be carved into Mount Rushmore alongside Washington, Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. She has two models of it in her office. Luna said through two assassination attempts and a 'sham impeachment,' Trump has 'shown not just resiliency in character but also to have been able to do what no other president has been able to accomplish.' Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina admits he wasn't enamored with Trump at first. Now, Wilson carries a pamphlet he gives to colleagues asking them to sponsor a bill that would direct the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to design and print a $250 bill bearing Trump's image. The honor would coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence. 'I believe the president has served in a such a manner that he deserves it,' Wilson said. It's not just a few random Republicans taking part. In the GOP's tax cut and immigration law, leadership changed the name of a new type of savings account for children from 'MAGA accounts' to 'Trump accounts.' 'Because Trump is a transformational leader and he advocated for them,' Rep. Jason Smith, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said of the name change. The Nobel Peace Prize Several lawmakers are also talking Trump up as someone who should win the Nobel Peace Prize . As a candidate, Trump promised he would end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day in office before saying later as president he was joking. Solving that conflict and Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has eluded Trump. But Republicans — and at least one foreign leader, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — are still proposing Trump receive the prize. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio has called on the Senate to nominate Trump, while Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee asked her social media followers to share her post if they agree he deserves it. Tenney recently wrote on X she has nominated Trump twice and will continue to do so until he's awarded the prize. Honoring Melania Trump, too An appropriations bill making its way through the House includes an amendment from Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho that would name the Opera House at the Kennedy Center for first lady Melania Trump . Simpson said the White House didn't know about the amendment until it was introduced. He said the effort is different from renaming Dulles Airport in Trump's honor because the theater isn't currently named after anyone. 'She's just been a supporter of the arts, always has been, and we're trying to keep the arts alive in this bill,' Simpson said. 'So we thought it was the appropriate thing to do.' Smart politics For many Republicans, lauding Trump in legislation is simply smart politics. Trump's endorsement helped catapult many lawmakers into elected office, and his support could be helpful as individual members try to get their priorities into law. Plus, Trump wields his endorsement aggressively to replace members he finds disloyal and reward allies. He's already endorsed Gill and Luna for reelection in 2026, calling them 'MAGA Warriors.' But the power of a Trump endorsement extends beyond the primary, especially in the midterm elections. 'In the general election, they just send a signal to Trump voters to turn out, to trust somebody and vote for them,' said Steve Stivers, former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Democrats have taken note of the flurry of Trump tributes, seeing it as a chance to portray a pliant Republican majority as being focused on placating Trump rather than helping Americans. 'House Republicans continue to embarrass themselves,' said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. 'These people are sycophants.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
All the ways Republicans want to honor Trump, from the $100 bill to Mount Rushmore
WASHINGTON (AP) — Imagine getting the day off work for Donald Trump's birthday. Receiving a $100 bill with Trump's portrait on it. Touching down at Donald J. Trump International Airport near the nation's capital. And taking in a show at the Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts. All would be possible under a flurry of bills Republican lawmakers have sponsored this year. Trump is little more than six months into his second term, but some Republicans are ready to elevate him into the pantheon of American greats, proposing an ever-growing list of bills paying tribute well before his second term ends. One lawmaker even proposes carving his face into Mount Rushmore. It's a legislative exercise that mixes flattery and politics, providing another stark reminder of the Republican Party's transformation under Trump as lawmakers from red-leaning states and congressional districts look for ways to win the president's good graces — and stay close to his supporters. Doug Heye, a Republican strategist who served as communications director of the Republican National Committee, said the bills have an important audience despite their seeming frivolity. 'This is more about one person,' Heye said. 'It's not, 'Hey, voters, look what I'm trying to do for Donald.' It's, 'Hey, Donald, look what I'm trying to do for you.'' No time to waste House Republicans moved quickly to honor Trump after his second term began. The bill to rename Dulles International Airport in Virginia after Trump was introduced 72 hours after his swearing-in. 'Best president in my lifetime,' said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Addison McDowell of North Carolina. 'And I can't think of a better way to honor somebody than to cement their place in history by naming an international airport in our nation's capital after him.' Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas waited a few more weeks before sponsoring his bill to put Trump's picture on the $100 bill. His legislation stated no $100 bill printed after Dec. 31, 2028, could be printed without Trump's portrait on the front, even though federal law bans living figures from being placed on U.S. currency. That law, enacted just after the Civil War, was intended to avoid the appearance of a monarchy. Another proposal from Rep. Greg Steube of Florida would rename Washington's subway system the Trump Train. There's also a bill from Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York combining Trump's birthday with Flag Day to designate June 14 a federal holiday. Perhaps the most daring idea comes from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who wants the Interior secretary to arrange for Trump's likeness to be carved into Mount Rushmore alongside Washington, Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. She has two models of it in her office. Luna said through two assassination attempts and a 'sham impeachment,' Trump has 'shown not just resiliency in character but also to have been able to do what no other president has been able to accomplish.' Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina admits he wasn't enamored with Trump at first. Now, Wilson carries a pamphlet he gives to colleagues asking them to sponsor a bill that would direct the Bureau of Printing and Engraving to design and print a $250 bill bearing Trump's image. The honor would coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring its independence. 'I believe the president has served in a such a manner that he deserves it,' Wilson said. It's not just a few random Republicans taking part. In the GOP's tax cut and immigration law, leadership changed the name of a new type of savings account for children from 'MAGA accounts' to 'Trump accounts.' 'Because Trump is a transformational leader and he advocated for them,' Rep. Jason Smith, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said of the name change. The Nobel Peace Prize Several lawmakers are also talking Trump up as someone who should win the Nobel Peace Prize. As a candidate, Trump promised he would end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day in office before saying later as president he was joking. Solving that conflict and Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza has eluded Trump. But Republicans — and at least one foreign leader, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — are still proposing Trump receive the prize. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio has called on the Senate to nominate Trump, while Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee asked her social media followers to share her post if they agree he deserves it. Tenney recently wrote on X she has nominated Trump twice and will continue to do so until he's awarded the prize. Honoring Melania Trump, too An appropriations bill making its way through the House includes an amendment from Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho that would name the Opera House at the Kennedy Center for first lady Melania Trump. Simpson said the White House didn't know about the amendment until it was introduced. He said the effort is different from renaming Dulles Airport in Trump's honor because the theater isn't currently named after anyone. 'She's just been a supporter of the arts, always has been, and we're trying to keep the arts alive in this bill,' Simpson said. 'So we thought it was the appropriate thing to do.' Smart politics For many Republicans, lauding Trump in legislation is simply smart politics. Trump's endorsement helped catapult many lawmakers into elected office, and his support could be helpful as individual members try to get their priorities into law. Plus, Trump wields his endorsement aggressively to replace members he finds disloyal and reward allies. He's already endorsed Gill and Luna for reelection in 2026, calling them 'MAGA Warriors.' But the power of a Trump endorsement extends beyond the primary, especially in the midterm elections. 'In the general election, they just send a signal to Trump voters to turn out, to trust somebody and vote for them,' said Steve Stivers, former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Democrats have taken note of the flurry of Trump tributes, seeing it as a chance to portray a pliant Republican majority as being focused on placating Trump rather than helping Americans. 'House Republicans continue to embarrass themselves,' said Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. 'These people are sycophants.'
New York Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Little Victories
This week, I went to a party thrown by a New York City deli to celebrate a specific varietal of herring. I was keen to attend because the concept of a herring party seemed delightful — an occasion for revelry that I'd never considered. I was intrigued to learn that in the Netherlands, this particular herring is traditionally fished for only a few months, when the herring's body fat reaches at least 16 percent, for maximum flavor. The Dutch even have an annual festival, Flag Day, to honor the opening of herring season. I had never celebrated herring before, but, then again, I haven't celebrated most things. We tend to confine our parties to milestones (birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, weddings) and cultural events (the Oscars, the Super Bowl). Why must it be this way? Sure, if every day is a special occasion, then no day is, but it seems unnecessary to let the calendar totally dictate when we raise a glass or kick up our heels. Also, it's sort of boring to glorify the same things year after year, when there's so much else out there that's worthy. Once you begin considering all the micro-occasions deserving of a rager or at least an intimate soiree, you realize you've been letting so many opportunities for merrymaking just sail right by. A New Haircut Party sounds fun (you tried a new style, you look great) as does a My Back Pain Finally Went Away Party (has there ever been a more profound reason to exult?). New tattoo, old tattoo removal; the puppy spent a full night in the crate; no cavities — let's rejoice! Commemorating the completion of something you've been procrastinating on forever seems only sensible: Come over for cocktails, I dry-cleaned my wool coat. Someone alerted me to the existence of a Forcing Party, which is part celebration, part motivation — friends gather and force one another to do things they've been putting off, like renewing their passports or answering emails. Genius! A party can be productive as well as fun. There are those who hate parties, or who believe that the number of get-togethers that issue from the standard occasions are more than plenty. To them I say: Fine, but even thinking about the little things you might celebrate is a satisfying gratitude exercise. What are the good things that are going unacknowledged in your life? Where are you limiting or postponing delight unnecessarily? I recently told a friend that I could think of nothing more luxurious and blissfully absurd than a seafood tower. 'Well, your birthday just passed, but next year?' he said. Ha! As if I'm going to wait a year to have a seafood tower. Yes, it's expensive, but I did just make a doctor's appointment that I'd been putting off since February, and that seems ample reason to assemble a group of friends, order up a tower and celebrate. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Benjamin Nygren reveals the superstar comparison that has followed him as deciding Celtic transfer factor named
The Swede has made an instant impression on the Hoops' faithful with his pre-season performances Benjamin Nygren is surprisingly down to earth for a kid who was a Swedish teenage sensation who drew comparisons with Big Head himself. The Celtic ace has remained humble and he's convinced being thrust into the spotlight as a school boy will help him handle the heat of playing for the Hoops. Nygren has settled in quickly at Celts and already looks like a summer steal after being picked up from Nordsjaelland for just £1.7m. But it shouldn't come as a surprise. This is a guy who takes most things in his stride – even being talked about in the same breath as Zlatan Ibrahimovic – nicknamed Big Head in his homeland – when he was still eating lunch in the school canteen. Nygren was rated as one of the hottest properties in Europe when he burst onto the scene at Gothenburg, performing week in, week out in Sweden while he was still studying for his exams. A big money move to Genk Belgium at just 17-years-old might have been a wrong turn but the 24-year-old got back on track and ready for anything that comes next. He didn't lose the head with the Zlatan stuff and will keep his cool with the Hoops. Nygren said: 'Yeah, I noticed those stories (back then). But I always just tried to focus on my football. 'I made my debut when I was 16 but it wasn't until I was 17 that I started to do well. 'I was at high school at the time. It was a huge thing, of course, but I always had that view in front of me when I was a young kid. 'I think most kids who play football have the same dream. 'But when I was very young I had a clear view that I wanted to be a professional football player. 'When anyone asked me what I wanted to be I would always say a professional football player. 'They would then say, 'but what if you don't become a professional football player?' 'But I would say, 'I WILL become a professional.' 'I have always had that focus and clear view in front of me and have been working so hard from a young age to fulfil it. 'When I was younger, I always had big dreams. 'That was to play for the Swedish national team and play in the biggest competitions for both my country and my club. I have always had that dream. 'And that's the dream I am chasing every day. I am working as hard as I can to go as far as possible.' Nygren is gearing up for Flag Day at Celtic Park next weekend but won't be overawed. He's slotted in with Celts like he's been at the club for years and was impressive again in his run out against Ajax in Como on Thursday, even though the wh eels came off the Hoops by the end in the 5-1 friendly wake up call. He said: 'I have learned a lot through the years. The first time I played in front of a big audience was in Gothenburg when I was 16. 'That's a club that also has a lot of fans and very good fans. I had a really good relationship with them. 'So I have played in front of big crowds a lot of times, even though I am still pretty young. 'I have learned a lot during my years. For me, mindset is one of the biggest parts of being in sports in general. That's all sports including football. 'Maybe at 16 I had a good mental focus. But I have also learned a lot in the eight years since then and that includes the ups and the downs. It's been very healthy.' Nygren is ready for the next step – and he's convinced he's in safe hands at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers. He said: 'I have only got really, really good impressions of him. 'We had really good contact and he was a big part of why I came here. I had a really good talk with him before I signed. 'He didn't have to sell Celtic to me – I know about Celtic and how big it is. Of course, it was a big decision. 'I am still pretty young. I was 23 when I signed and I'm already 24! 'Probably I will have my best years ahead so I wanted to come to a big club that plays in the biggest competitions and Celtic have everything. I will play in front of 60,000 every home game and that's going to be amazing. 'I think it's a brilliant part of my development. 'I am looking forward so much to playing at Paradise in front of all of the fans.' Nygren didn't need to do much research on Celts. It helped being pals with the son of one of the club's all-time greats. The playmaker is part of the Sweden set up with Jordan Larsson – Henrik's lad – and he said: 'Last time I spoke with him was when we were with the national team a month ago. 'Of course, I know about his dad - the King of Kings, right?! 'I have seen many YouTube clips of him scoring a lot of goals for Celtic. 'I haven't met Henrik but Jordan is an amazing guy and he is also doing very well in his career. 'There was always some talk about Celtic and it's never too late, you know! 'But that's not my job – that's for the Sporting Director!'.
