By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A Change.org petition has garnered over 23,000 signatures, proposing to rename Wabash Avenue in Chicago, where Trump Tower is located, to “Barack Hussein Obama Ave.” Organizers cite growing challenges faced by residents and a desire to honor inclusivity and forward-thinking change, with some supporters also expressing amusement at the potential reaction from former President Donald Trump. While honorary street names are common in Chicago, permanent changes and designations for living individuals face significant hurdles, requiring approval from both the mayor and city council, and current city policy does not allow for living individuals to receive such honors.
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A petition aiming to rename the Chicago address of Trump Tower to “Barack Hussein Obama Ave.” has rapidly gained traction, accumulating thousands of signatures. This initiative, born from a desire to honor the former president and, perhaps, to playfully antagonize his political predecessor, highlights the persistent influence of political personalities on public spaces and addresses. The proposal to change Wabash Avenue, the current street name, to “Barack Hussein Obama Ave.” is more than just a symbolic gesture; it represents a desire to overwrite a prominent symbol of Donald Trump’s brand with a tribute to a figure many view as his antithesis.
The enthusiasm behind the petition suggests a widespread sentiment among its supporters who feel a strong connection to President Obama and a corresponding disdain for Donald Trump. Many commenters express a personal reluctance to engage with any Trump-associated properties, citing a general aversion to his brand and business practices. This sentiment is so strong that some suggest outright rezoning the area to assign Trump a less desirable or even insulting address, indicating a deep-seated opposition to his presence in the city’s skyline.
The idea of renaming the street seems to resonate deeply, with proponents envisioning it as a direct and amusing counterpoint to Trump’s continued presence in Chicago through his namesake tower. The notion that this renaming would provoke a strong reaction from Trump is a recurring theme, with some speculating it could lead to extreme reactions, from health crises to military intervention, or even a hasty sale of the building to escape the perceived insult. This highlights a perception that Trump is deeply invested in his public image and that such a symbolic act would strike a nerve.
Furthermore, the petition taps into a broader conversation about how public spaces can become canvases for political statements. The idea of renaming things unilaterally, a concept brought up in relation to past events, is now being applied to this specific situation. The proposal is seen by some as a fitting “mash potato moment” – a playful yet pointed gesture that could bring a sense of ironic justice. The sheer volume of signatures collected in a relatively short period underscores the passionate engagement of those who support the renaming effort.
Beyond simply honoring Obama, some suggestions for the new address include variations like “Obama Avenue” or “Obama’s Way,” reflecting a desire for a straightforward tribute. The inclusion of “Hussein” in the full proposed name, “Barack Hussein Obama Ave.,” is particularly noteworthy, potentially adding another layer of political signaling given past controversies. The broader sentiment is clear: a desire to see a prominent Trump landmark associated with a widely admired figure from Chicago’s more recent history.
The conversation surrounding the petition also delves into the perceived hypocrisy of Donald Trump’s continued revenue stream from Chicago, especially given his history of denigrating the city. This is seen as evidence that his criticisms are insincere and self-serving, further fueling the desire to see his Chicago presence symbolically diminished or transformed. The hope is that this initiative will succeed and serve as a tangible representation of that sentiment.
There’s also a strong undercurrent of commentary about Trump’s business practices, with accusations of using real estate for money laundering and other illicit activities. This skepticism about his financial dealings adds another dimension to the opposition, suggesting that the renaming is not just about political ideology but also about a perceived moral and ethical failing. The suggestion of renaming the street “Epstein Plaza” as an alternative, while perhaps more extreme, underscores a desire to associate the location with figures seen as profoundly negative.
The energy directed towards these symbolic acts, like renaming streets, is acknowledged by some as immense, leading to questions about its ultimate impact versus the tangible efforts that could be undertaken. However, the emotional and political resonance of such actions cannot be dismissed, especially when they directly confront a prominent symbol of a figure as polarizing as Donald Trump. The underlying sentiment is that this is a fun, albeit symbolic, way to express political opposition.
The sheer joy and anticipation from many commenters regarding the potential success of this petition is palpable. It’s viewed as a “great” idea, something that would “rock” and that they are “ready to Barack” for. The idea of the address change is so amusing and satisfying to many that it’s expected to stay in their heads “all day” and they are “ok with it.” The concept is clearly a winner for those who feel this way.