Understanding the Concept of “Manía”
The term “manía” originates from ancient Greek, meaning “madness,” “fury,” or “obsession.” In Spanish, it describes an excessive hobby, obsession, or pathological impulse—like “Trumpomania.”
Donald Trump’s History of Branding
Throughout his life, Donald Trump has branded various ventures with his name:
- The Trump Shuttle – A airline with flights between Washington, New York, and Boston.
- The Trump University – A university offering practical business, high-level 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 projects.
Now, as president, Trump is extending this practice to government actions and institutions using his immense power.
Trump’s Government Branding Initiatives
- The Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – An attempt to attach his name to this arts center.
- The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace – A public policy analysis center bearing his name.
- 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 projects are ambitious and just beginning, like Trump RX and newborn accounts, with great potential.
Trump to Extend His Name to the U.S. 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 Pete Hegseth (Secretary of War), John Phelan (Secretary of the Navy), and Marco Rubio (Secretary of State).
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’s surrender was signed 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 combat vessels. The USS Missouri and the 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 massive 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 today’s modern era. The military agreed, and the new battleships (with a plan to build 22 in total) will be operational within a few years…
What Does “Class Trump” 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 they will carry the “Class Trump” designation.
Illustrious Names in Warfare Instruments
General John J. Pershing, head of Army Expeditionary Units, earned his four stars in combat. 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 U.S. naval strategist during the latter half of World War II, has destroyers named after him—the “Arleigh Burke” class.
Now, battleships will be “Class Trump,” 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 actions break with U.S. political traditions, as the country has avoided naming federal buildings or institutions in honor of serving presidents or living figures.
Honors are typically reserved for after a person leaves office or passes 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 initiatives like Trump RX and newborn investment accounts will benefit millions.
Weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks of Trump’s name being associated with them. Ultimately, if they function well and do good, what does it matter if they bear Trump’s name? These are new times, whether or not they’re called “Trump.”
