The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing political controversy after installing large banners of President Donald Trump and former President Abraham Lincoln side-by-side on the exterior of its headquarters to mark its 163rd anniversary.
According to The Washington Post (WP) on the 22nd (local time), banners featuring President Trump and former President Lincoln were recently displayed on the exterior of the USDA building near the National Mall, also known as 'America's Front Yard.' These banners were installed to commemorate historical dates, including Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and Independence Day (July 4), and will be maintained for several months.
Seth Christensen, public affairs director of USDA, noted, 'President Trump is a strong supporter of American farmers and ranchers, and former President Lincoln is the founder of USDA.' He said the banners were installed to express respect for both figures.
Reactions from citizens visiting the site are mixed. Jessica Stevens, a resident of Washington, criticized, 'This is a space for the public, not politics, and the classical beauty of the building has been compromised.' Bob Jones from Maryland also stated, 'It is inappropriate to feature a president's face at a public institution funded by taxpayers.'
On the other hand, Frank Epp, a Trump supporter from Florida, expressed his happiness, saying, 'I definitely have to take a picture.' Chase Foresti, 22, a recent college graduate, also voiced concern, saying, 'USDA is responsible for public health and food security, yet it is featuring a figure that goes against science and research.'
Beyond USDA, images of President Trump are appearing across the U.S. A large portrait of him hangs in the Heritage Foundation building, a conservative think tank near Washington Union Station, and a painting of Trump raising his fist after being shot is displayed in the White House instead of a portrait of President Obama. A copy of the president's mugshot, previously featured on the cover of the New York Post, is also framed near the office.
According to WP, while it is traditional for portraits of past presidents to be displayed inside federal agencies, instances of such prominent external displays are rare. Kara Finegan, a communication expert at the University of Illinois, analyzed that 'these visual symbols imply not just promotion but also the values and policy direction of the administration.'
The location of the banners, one of the most noticeable spots near the National Mall, which attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually, has led to assertions that this goes beyond mere commemoration and holds political symbolism. Lisa Bentonshort, a geography professor at George Washington University, pointed out, 'The National Mall symbolizes the history and civic ideals of America,' and stated that 'installing large banners of the sitting president there is unprecedented self-promotion and a strong political message.'