US Treasury Drafts Coin Featuring Trump, But It's the Wrong Way to Honor Him
The US treasury has unveiled a design for a $1 coin featuring Donald Trump on both sides, with the intention of celebrating America's 250th birthday and his own presidency. This move seems like a step in the right direction – or should I say, a step backwards?
In reality, this coin is just one part of Trump's efforts to immortalize himself through various tributes and monuments. The former president has been pushing for a new stadium to be named after him, as well as a $300m ballroom in the White House that's already bearing his name.
Now, I'm not arguing against honoring America's history or its leaders. But Trump's brand of self-glorification is different from what we would consider typical in a democracy. Fascist dictators have long used monuments to elevate themselves above their subjects. We, on the other hand, prefer to remember our heroes after they've passed away, often with public consensus.
What Trump has done, however, is anything but heroic. He's been involved in a coup attempt, claiming an election was "stolen" without evidence and inciting violence at the US Capitol that resulted in five deaths and 174 injuries to police officers. After being re-elected, he pardoned thousands of people connected to the Capitol attack and attempted to erase the nation's memory of his actions.
Rather than celebrating this treachery, we should be working to ensure that future generations remember Trump for what he did – not how he wishes to be remembered. A simple building constructed of iron and cement, with records of his attacks on democracy and names of those who aided him, would serve as a more fitting tribute.
Over its doorway, the words "Trump's Treason" could be inscribed, serving as a warning to future leaders about the dangers of undermining democratic institutions. The structure itself could be situated on the White House lawn where Trump's ballroom once stood, facing outward toward Pennsylvania Avenue so that families visiting the capital can easily access it.
This is not a monument to Trump himself, but rather a reminder of his impact on American democracy. It would be a fitting tribute to those who have fought to protect our freedoms and institutions.
The US treasury has unveiled a design for a $1 coin featuring Donald Trump on both sides, with the intention of celebrating America's 250th birthday and his own presidency. This move seems like a step in the right direction – or should I say, a step backwards?
In reality, this coin is just one part of Trump's efforts to immortalize himself through various tributes and monuments. The former president has been pushing for a new stadium to be named after him, as well as a $300m ballroom in the White House that's already bearing his name.
Now, I'm not arguing against honoring America's history or its leaders. But Trump's brand of self-glorification is different from what we would consider typical in a democracy. Fascist dictators have long used monuments to elevate themselves above their subjects. We, on the other hand, prefer to remember our heroes after they've passed away, often with public consensus.
What Trump has done, however, is anything but heroic. He's been involved in a coup attempt, claiming an election was "stolen" without evidence and inciting violence at the US Capitol that resulted in five deaths and 174 injuries to police officers. After being re-elected, he pardoned thousands of people connected to the Capitol attack and attempted to erase the nation's memory of his actions.
Rather than celebrating this treachery, we should be working to ensure that future generations remember Trump for what he did – not how he wishes to be remembered. A simple building constructed of iron and cement, with records of his attacks on democracy and names of those who aided him, would serve as a more fitting tribute.
Over its doorway, the words "Trump's Treason" could be inscribed, serving as a warning to future leaders about the dangers of undermining democratic institutions. The structure itself could be situated on the White House lawn where Trump's ballroom once stood, facing outward toward Pennsylvania Avenue so that families visiting the capital can easily access it.
This is not a monument to Trump himself, but rather a reminder of his impact on American democracy. It would be a fitting tribute to those who have fought to protect our freedoms and institutions.