Bulwark Takes As Millions Protested “No Kings,” Trump Did This
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Mar 30, 2026 A look at mass “No Kings” protests and what they signal about presidential power. Scenes of personal branding, from gold trim to plans for a portrait on currency. Sharp criticism of attacks on judges and the press. Bold claims about acting without Congress on war and NATO raise alarm about rule-of-law limits.
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Gold Trim And Self-Branding Signal Monarchical Ambition
- Will Saletan argues Trump's gilded White House and efforts to put his name on airports signal a monarchical impulse.
- Specific examples include Trump's mention of 24-carat gold trim and attempts to name public sites after himself and brand Washington.
Living President On Coins Breaks Longstanding Precedent
- The administration is breaking a 150-year precedent by approving coins with a living president's portrait and praising a "statesman-like" depiction.
- The Commission of Fine Arts, appointed by Trump, approved both a $1 coin and a commemorative gold coin showing Trump standing over his desk.
Trump's Signature On Paper Money Is Unprecedented
- Treasury announced Trump's signature will appear on future U.S. paper currency, another unprecedented personalization.
- Saletan emphasizes the novelty: the signature of a sitting president has never been placed on U.S. paper money before.