$50K Trump Banners on DC Federal Buildings Spark Political and Legal Debate

Large banners featuring President Donald Trump's face have been installed on three federal buildings in Washington, D.C., including the Departments of Agriculture, Labor, and Health and Human Services, costing taxpayers about $50,000. Democratic lawmakers, led by Senator Adam Schiff, criticize the banners as authoritarian propaganda reminiscent of displays by dictators like Stalin, Mussolini, and Kim Jong Un, and raise concerns about the use of federal funds to glorify a sitting president, potentially violating longstanding legal prohibitions. Schiff and others argue the banners symbolize a troubling shift toward authoritarianism and call for greater transparency and oversight of federal spending on political messaging. In contrast, Republican officials contend similar promotional efforts occurred under previous administrations, questioning the consistency of the criticism. The banners, which include slogans like "American Workers First" and "Make America Healthy Again," have intensified political tensions regarding the use of executive power and the neutrality of government institutions. The White House has strongly rejected Democratic accusations, highlighting the ongoing partisan debate over these displays.