Scott Jennings backs the need for Trump's name on US landmarks: 'They're 'gonna do you dirty'

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN conservative contributor Scott Jennings on Thursday, February 6, explained President Donald Trump’s must seek lasting recognition through the naming of major US landmarks. 

Speaking on NewsNight with Abby Phillip, Jennings argued that Trump cannot rely on posterity to preserve his legacy, given how unfairly he has been treated by political opponents so far.

Scott Jennings says Trump can’t trust others with his legacy

Jennings, responding to reports that Trump had floated the idea of releasing $16 billion in withheld infrastructure funding in exchange for renaming Washington Dulles International Airport and New York City’s Penn Station after himself.

Jennings said the proposal reflected a concern about how Trump’s presidency would be remembered once he leaves office.

“Here’s my argument,” Jennings said. “You could not possibly trust, if you were Donald Trump, knowing everything you’ve been through, you could not possibly trust posterity…somebody doing you right, knowing full well they’re going to do you dirty.”

Jennings maintained that presidents often lose control of their historical narrative once out of power, particularly figures as polarising as Trump.

He argued that securing tangible recognition while in office was a rational response to that reality.

“If left to history and posterity, someone will always do this man dirty,” Jennings said. “He’s got to take care of himself.”

Critics say Trump’s demand is ‘bonkers’

Other panelists challenged the idea, questioning whether naming public infrastructure after a sitting president in exchange for funding was appropriate. 

Mediaite founder Dan Abrams even asked, “You don’t think that that’s kind of bonkers?” 

Host Phillip called Trump’s idea “wild”.

Gen Z democratic activist Deja Foxx also countered Jennings, saying that legacy is shaped by a leader’s actions rather than symbols.

“To the people who come after, generations like mine, if he leaves a poor reflection, if he leaves a poor legacy, that’s his own doing,” Foxx said.

Phillip noted that holding the presidency already carries historic distinction, adding that presidents are not entitled to accolades simply for occupying the office.

Jennings rejected that framing, emphasising Trump’s electoral success. “He’s a two-term president,” he said. “He’s gonna get something.”

Trump says Democrats suggested renaming Dulles, Penn

Trump, meanwhile, denied reports that his administration proposed renaming Penn Station and Washington Dulles International Airport in exchange for federal funding for the Gateway rail tunnel.

He said the idea was suggested by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer— a Democrat.

Speaking to reporters on February 6 aboard Air Force One, Trump said that no decision had been made and dismissed the reports as overstating the situation.

Schumer denied making the suggestion to rename said landmarks.