Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) on Sunday ripped President Donald Trump over both his taxpayer-funded “love me” ads and efforts to rename buildings after him.
Kennedy, in an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” was asked by host Margaret Brennan about his criticism of ex-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s $220 million ad push that prominently featured herself earlier this year.
The Trump spots, which the White House calls “public service announcements,” feature several visuals of the president as part of JMSN’s song “Love Me” plays in the background. It also features audio of UFC boss Dana White declaring that the commander in chief is the “toughest, most resilient person that I’ve ever met.”
“Is that the best use of taxpayer money?” Brennan asked.
Kennedy first addressed Noem’s “masterclass dumb” move on the DHS ads before taking on the Trump spots.
“I don’t think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves,” he said of the ads that have been dubbed state propaganda.
“Now, the White House sees it differently. But I think there ought to be a rule,” continued Kennedy before correcting himself. “Well, there probably is a rule. You can’t spend public money to promote yourself.”
He proceeded to address efforts to rebrand buildings in Trump’s name, a likely nod to the president’s threats to close the Kennedy Center for good and demolish it unless his name is slapped on it. (Note: The senator is not related to the 35th president whose name resides on the cultural institution.)
“I may end up with a sombrero on my head, but I also think that we ought to have a rule that no politician can have a building named after him while he’s alive,” Kennedy said.
“I think that will settle a lot of this controversy,” added the senator, noting there’s a state law in Louisiana that prohibits such efforts.