Why Americans Should Not Build a Memorial for Trump

When it comes to presidential memorials, history has shown that the United States has recognized and honored even those who have left a lasting impact, both positive and negative. However, the suggestion to build a presidential memorial for Donald Trump is not only premature but also highly inappropriate for a multitude of reasons.

A Symbol of Inappropriate Memorialization

Presidential memorials serve as a tribute to the achievements and legacies of those who have served as the nation's leaders. Each memorial library built since Herbert Hoover has been a symbol of respect and recognition for literate individuals who have shaped American history. Building a memorial library in the name of a functional illiterate like Trump would be beyond ironic and inappropriate.

Trump's Position in History

By 2023, we have only had five presidents in the 21st century: George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. Comparatively, Trump ranks at the bottom of this list. When someone argues that Trump is the greatest American president of the 21st century, they are making a deeply flawed assumption based on a lack of knowledge of the future.

The Hypothetical "Trump Memorial Library"

Let's consider the hypothetical scenario of a "Trump Memorial Library." This library would likely be designed with some of Trump's most notorious traits in mind: it would feature his name in big bold neon letters to draw attention, encased in a fortified wall to emulate his knack for walls, and could potentially be powered by windmills, which could be a reference to his infamous windmill posturing. The staff might be sacked periodically for lacking loyalty, following his practice of firing and replacing team members. Additionally, it could include a hanging scaffold, a nod to his treatment of opponents, and a room dedicated to Vladimir Putin, reflecting his controversial relationships. Such a monument would serve more as a mockery than a memorial.

Reasons Against a Trump Memorial

There are several compelling reasons why a memorial should not be built for Donald Trump:

He Is Not Dead Yet: Many memorials are built in honor of leaders who have passed away, recognizing their contributions to society. As a living individual, Trump cannot yet receive this form of tribute. His Legacy Is Seen as Negative: Many Americans view Trump’s presidency as one of the most detrimental to the country in recent history. His actions during his tenure have been criticized, and he is seen as a symbol of divisiveness rather than unity. No Real Legacies: A truly impactful leader leaves a lasting legacy of positive change and achievements. Trump is widely perceived as the worst president in the history of the United States, marking his presidency with numerous controversies and policy failures. Public Sentiment: Trump’s supporters indeed regard him highly, but the public sentiment regarding his presidency is predominantly negative. An unmarked grave or a jail cell is seen by many as a more justifiable end to the current era of his infamy.

A Call to Forgetfulness

Memorials serve a purpose of remembrance for those who have died and made significant contributions to society. Since Trump is not among the deceased who have shaped the nation's destiny, the idea of a memorial for him does not align with the traditional goals of these tributes.

Furthermore, many Americans wish to move on from the era of Trump and its divisive policies. A memorial would likely exacerbate this division rather than heal it. As the saying goes, 'Pigeons need a place to shit,' and perhaps the best place for such a controversial figure to 'shit' is in the annals of history, where his impact will be evaluated by future generations.

Until Trump’s legacy is fully assessed by history, it would be premature and inappropriate to erect a memorial in his honor. Instead, the focus should be on uplifting the legacies of leaders who have made genuine, positive contributions to the nation's progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the suggestion to build a presidential memorial for Donald Trump is deeply flawed and should be rejected. While memorials serve as a fitting tribute to leaders who have positively impacted the nation, Trump's presidency does not meet these standards. As we move forward, it is crucial to focus on honoring those who have made genuine contributions to our society, rather than acknowledging those who have tarnished it.