There's a rush for more & more Trump tributes on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON: Imagine getting the day off 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 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 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 term ends. One lawmaker even proposes carving his face into Mount Rushmore. It's a legislative exercise mixing flattery and politics, providing a stark reminder of the Republican Party's transformation under Trump as lawmakers from red-leaning states and 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 honour 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. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas waited a few more weeks before sponsoring his bill to put Trump on the $100 bill, which now features Benjamin Franklin. 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 US currency.