Senator John Kennedy Criticizes Trump's Use of Taxpayer Funds for 'Love Me' Ads and Building Renaming
Republican Senator John Kennedy argues against public officials using government money for self-promotional advertising and renaming buildings after themselves while alive.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) sharply criticized former President Donald Trump on Sunday, targeting two specific actions: taxpayer-funded advertisements that critics have called "love me" ads and efforts to rename buildings after himself.
During an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Kennedy addressed a recent report concerning taxpayer-funded advertisements featuring visuals of Trump set to music, including audio from UFC president Dana White praising the former president. When asked by host Margaret Brennan if this was the best use of taxpayer money, Kennedy first commented on similar "masterclass dumb" moves by other officials before turning his attention to Trump.
"I don’t think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves," Kennedy stated, referring to the ads that have been labeled "state propaganda." He added, "Now, the White House sees it differently. But I think there ought to be a rule. Well, there probably is a rule. You can’t spend public money to promote yourself."
Kennedy also addressed what he characterized as efforts to rebrand buildings in Trump's name. This appeared to allude to past instances where the Trump administration reportedly threatened to close the Kennedy Center and demolish it unless the building was renamed in Trump's honor. (The senator is not related to John F. Kennedy, whose name is on the cultural institution.)
"I may end up with a sombrero on my head, but I also think that we ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him while he’s alive," Kennedy said. "I think that will settle a lot of this controversy." He noted that Louisiana has a state law that prohibits such efforts.