Chicago Pushes to Rename Street Outside Trump Hotel After Obama
Efforts to Rename Chicago Street
There is a growing movement in Chicago to rename the street outside Trump International Hotel & Tower after former President Barack Obama. This initiative has gained traction as the Obama Presidential Center opened its doors on Chicago’s South Side. The developments highlight the ongoing tension between Barack Obama and Donald Trump, manifesting not only in political discourse but in urban planning as well.
Newsweek reached out to the White House, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for comment via email on Sunday.
Petition to Rename Street Gains Traction
The campaign centers around an online petition on Change.org, which has collected over 30,000 signatures. The petition advocates for renaming a stretch of North Wabash Avenue to Barack Hussein Obama Avenue. “We propose a tribute to a figure who stands for hope and change,” said Bryce Jones, creator of the petition. The effort carries symbolic weight as it would change the official address of Trump’s luxury property.
In response, Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly introduced a measure for an honorary street designation. Yet, there are challenges ahead since city council rules typically restrict such designations for living individuals. NBC Chicago reported that the proposed ordinance will be reviewed by the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.
Supporters of the change aim to align it with the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, presenting the street name as a counterbalance to the Trump logo dominating the downtown area.
Trump’s Criticism of Obama Center and Chicago
Recently, Trump has intensified his criticism of the Obama Presidential Center and Chicago’s social climate. He mocked the architectural design on social media, calling it a “total disaster” and shared an AI-generated image depicting the campus negatively. Throughout his tenure, Trump often described Chicago as rife with violent crime, clashing with Democratic leaders over law enforcement and funding.
After reports of a violent weekend, Trump commented on Truth Social, stating: “Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead. Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!!”
Obama Allies Respond
Allies of Obama have generally refrained from personal attacks, instead focusing on the civic goals of the South Side campus. The Obama Presidential Center emphasizes community, education, and public programming, moving away from traditional presidential libraries. Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, invited Trump to visit the center, saying, “We would welcome him and give him a tour.”
Timeline: Trump vs. Obama
2008–2011: Early conspiracy claims arise as the “Birther” theory questions Obama’s birthplace.
2011: Trump amplifies the birther conspiracy and publicly demands Obama’s birth certificate.
2012–2015: Trump continues questioning Obama’s legitimacy in media and social platforms.
2016: During his campaign, Trump contrasts Obama’s policies, presenting him as ineffective.
2017–2020: Trump maintains criticism of Obama’s policies and legacy during his presidency.
2025: Trump accuses Obama of “treason,” prompting a rare rebuttal from Obama’s office.
2026: Trump shares AI images mocking the Obamas, sparking backlash and highlighting ongoing personal attacks.