In a recent editorial featured in US gay magazine The Advocate, concerns have been raised regarding the extensive endeavours by some House Republicans to bestow honours upon President Donald Trump, indicating an alarming trend in political ass-kissing among party members. This phenomenon is particularly remarkable given the controversial and, in many views, damaging legacy associated with Trump.
The article highlights various proposals, including a bill from U.S. Representative Addison McDowell of North Carolina, which seeks to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after Trump. McDowell expressed that Trump “took a bullet for us” and is “going to save the country.” However, critics question the appropriateness of such a move, considering Trump’s past actions regarding immigration and travel policies, which many see as directly opposing the values of international travel and diplomacy.
Furthermore, Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill to immortalise Trump’s face on Mount Rushmore. Luna touts Trump’s “remarkable accomplishments,” but specifics on what these accomplishments entail remain elusive, unless you count alienating the entire LGBTQ+ population.
Texas Representative Brandon Gill has put forth the Golden Age Act of 2025, advocating for Trump’s portrait to replace Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill. Gill claims Trump ushered in a “golden age” for America, though this assertion contradicts various economic analyses and the realities of financial turmoil during Trump’s administration. South Carolina’s Joe Wilson has also proposed a new $250 bill featuring Trump’s likeness, illustrating how some lawmakers are attempting to rewrite fiscal history to align with their political narratives.
Additionally, New York Representative Claudia Tenney is advocating for Trump’s birthday, June 14, to be designated as a federal holiday, coinciding with Flag Day. Tenney asserts that Trump’s influence warrants such recognition, although the comparison to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln—both pivotal figures in American history—is contentious, given Trump’s impeachment record and ‘pussy grab’ comments.
Criticism is aimed not only at the proposals themselves but also at the stark contrast with contributions from historically significant figures who remain unsung, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. The article specifically mentions notable activists such as Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, and Sylvia Rivera, all of whom made significant strides in the realms of civil rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy. These figures are cited as deserving of recognition far exceeding any complex honour granted to Trump, who many believe overlooks or undermines their legacies.
In this context, the article suggests alternative, satirical ideas for how Trump could be memorialised, including naming federal penitentiaries after him or placing his likeness on less desirable currency like the penny.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/unrig-the-rules/2025/02/19/house-gop-moves-on-trump-agenda – This URL supports information about House Republicans’ efforts to advance Trump’s agenda and their political maneuvers in Congress.
- http://democrats-appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/fact-sheet-trumps-project-2025-shaped-house-republicans-funding-bills – This URL provides details on how Trump’s policies influence Republican legislation and budget proposals in the House.
- https://www.courts.michigan.gov/492eca/siteassets/publications/benchbooks/evidence/evidbb.pdf – Although not directly related to the article’s specific claims, it offers context on legal and evidentiary standards in political discourse and investigations.
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/22/2024-07496/guidance-for-federal-financial-assistance – This URL provides general information about federal policies and can contextualize the broader environment in which political discussions about honoring figures take place.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions contemporary political figures and their current proposals, indicating recent developments. However, there is no clear date or timestamp in the provided text, which could slightly reduce the score.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
While specific quotes from U.S. Representatives are included, their original sources are not directly linked or verified. Investigating these quotes further would require access to primary sources or interviews.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Advocate, a reputable publication known for its focus on LGBTQ+ issues, though it might not be considered as widely authoritative on all political topics as major news outlets like the BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The proposals to honour Trump mentioned in the narrative align with ongoing political trends and debates. Such actions are plausible given the historical context of political partisanship and efforts to memorialize figures.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fairly recent, involves plausible political actions, and originates from a reputable publication. However, without specific dates or direct access to primary sources for quotes, confidence is tempered due to potential inaccuracies in details or interpretation.