Understanding the Origin of “Mania”
The word “mania” originates from ancient Greek μανία (manía), meaning “madness,” “fury,” or “obsession.” In Spanish, it describes an excessive enthusiasm, obsession, or pathological impulse—such as “Trumpomania.”
Donald Trump’s Branding History
Throughout his life, Donald Trump has branded various ventures with his name:
- The Trump Shuttle – A shuttle service between Washington, New York, and Boston.
- The Trump University – A business school offering practical business, management, and real estate courses.
- The Trump Taj-Mahal – A casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
- The Trump Shirts and Ties – Neckwear and shirts.
- The Trump Steaks – Premium steaks and fine cuts of meat.
- Tour De Trump – A professional cycling race circuit.
- Trump Towers and Trump buildings – Iconic real estate properties.
Now, as president, Trump is applying his immense power to brand government actions and institutions with his name.
Government Institutions and Programs Branded with Trump’s Name
- The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace – A policy analysis center named after the president.
- Trump RX – A federal drug distribution mechanism established with nine pharmaceutical companies, allowing citizens to purchase medications at significant discounts.
- Trump Accounts for newborns – Newborn U.S. citizens born between December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2029, will receive a $1,000 investment account from the government. Families can contribute up to $5,000 annually, tax-free. By age 18, these children will have $303,800 for education.
- Trump Gold Card Visas – Legal residency visas for those investing $1 million in the U.S. government and undergoing a background check.
Some of these projects are ambitious and just beginning, such as Trump RX and newborn accounts, with great potential.
Trump’s Expansion into the Military Industry
This is not a critique of the U.S. president but an observation at year’s end. Two days before Christmas, Donald Trump called a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, accompanied by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speculation arose that he would declare war on Venezuela for the second time in a week. No, the purpose of the conference was different.
New U.S. Warships
The president convened the press conference to announce that, after years of not producing heavy warships or “battleships,” as sailors call them, the U.S. will spend another $300 to $400 billion on building two new battleships.
The last battleship class the Navy discontinued was the “Iowa” class, including the USS Missouri (BB-63), where Japan surrendered at the end of World War II. The other was the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), decommissioned in 1991 after serving in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Gulf War.
These legendary warships marked the end of an era of large warships. The USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin had massive cannons capable of launching projectiles 25 kilometers, weighing as much as a Volkswagen (2,700 kg).
Understanding the Impact of 2,700 kg Projectiles
The last time the USS Wisconsin was active was in southern Kuwait and Iraq, where its enormous steel projectiles destroyed Saddam Hussein’s troops’ facilities.
In September 1991, battleships were discontinued because naval strategists deemed aircraft carriers and submarines more efficient for combat. However, Trump convinced the military that heavy steel warships are more efficient in modern times. The military agreed, and the new battleships (with a plan to build 22 in total) will be operational within a few years—all designated as “Trump Class.”
What Does “Trump Class” Mean?
It means these will be new designs for warships, aiming to be the deadliest ever built in world history. The ships won’t be named “Trump,” but rather will bear the names chosen at their maiden voyage, typically honoring entities, cities, or notable Americans.
The “Trump Class” designation will never change, making Trump immortal for at least the next century.
Illustrious Names of Warfare Instruments
General John J. Pershing, head of Army Expeditionary Units, earned his four stars in battle. Thus, the Pershing missiles bear his name.
General Omar Nelson Bradley, the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon and principal strategist in the Korean War, lends his name to armored fighting vehicles—the “Bradley” tanks.
Admiral Arleigh Burke, a crucial naval strategist during the latter half of World War II, has destroyers named after him—the “Arleigh Burke” class.
Now, battleships will be “Trump Class,” as the president has the power to name them as he pleases.
Controversy and Concerns
Some in the country and Washington are horrified, claiming this is an unprecedented display of vanity in U.S. history’s 249 years.
Trump’s act of branding government properties and institutions with his name breaks traditional American political culture, which avoids naming federal buildings or institutions in honor of serving presidents.
Honors are typically reserved for those who have left office or passed away, separating public service from personal branding and avoiding the appearance of using public office for private glorification.
The question remains: does this matter to the American people? None of the previous 45 presidents dared to do as much. However, Trump is different, and the benefits of Trump RX and newborn investment accounts will positively impact millions.
Weigh these factors… If it’s truly beneficial, why does the name matter? What matters is functionality and positive impact. These are new times—Trump or not.
