In Chicago, there’s a growing push to rename the street outside Trump International Hotel & Tower after former President Barack Obama. This movement is gaining significant momentum and injecting the city’s zoning battle into the ongoing political rivalry between Obama and Trump. The proposal comes as the Obama Presidential Center marked its opening last week on Chicago’s South Side. This milestone drew criticism from President Trump, who targeted both the legacy project and the city.
The escalating developments highlight how the friction between the two figures extends beyond political rhetoric, into the physical landscape and urban planning of Chicago.
Petition to Rename Street Gains Traction
An online petition on Change.org advocating for renaming a stretch of North Wabash Avenue to Barack Hussein Obama Avenue has gathered over 30,000 signatures in the past two months. Bryce Jones, the petition’s creator, emphasized that the effort symbolizes the values upheld by the city and would change the official address of Trump’s skyscraper.
In response to the growing campaign, Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly proposed creating an honorary street designation. However, city council rules typically restrict such designations for living individuals, posing an obstacle according to NBC Chicago. The proposed ordinance will now be considered by the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.
Supporters strategically timed the push with the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, aiming for the street name to serve as a civic counterweight to the Trump logo in the downtown riverfront area.
Trump’s Attacks on Obama Presidential Center and Chicago Crime
Recently, Trump increased his criticism of the Obama Presidential Center and Chicago’s social climate. Before the center’s official opening, he mocked the architectural design on social media, calling it a “total disaster.” Trump also shared an AI-generated image depicting the campus as a waste site surrounded by tents.
Throughout his presidency and campaigns, Trump often described Chicago as ridden with violent crime, conflicting with local Democratic leaders like Governor Pritzker over law enforcement and other policies. Reacting to a violent weekend in the city, Trump railed on Truth Social about local crime, asserting he could greatly improve public safety.
Obama Allies Pushback
Obama’s allies have mostly refrained from personal counterattacks, highlighting the center’s community-focused mission. The Obama Presidential Center, spanning nearly 20 acres, provides community space and educational programs instead of a conventional presidential library.
Obama Foundation officials downplay the rhetorical jabs, extending public invitations to engage with the center. Valerie Jarrett, its CEO, welcomed Trump to attend the opening events, hoping he would assess the center’s worth firsthand.
Timeline: Trump Vs. Obama
2008–2011: The “Birther” theory questioning Obama’s birthplace surfaces.
2011: Trump demands Obama’s birth certificate, doubting his legitimacy. Obama releases it, but controversy lingers.
2012–2015: Trump continues questioning Obama’s birth and pushes conspiracy narratives.
2016 Presidential Campaign: Trump criticizes Obama’s policies, underscoring perceived weaknesses.
2017–2020: Trump maintains criticism of Obama’s legacy during his presidency and after.
2025: Trump accuses Obama of “treason” related to election matters. Obama’s office rebukes the claims.
2026: Trump shares AI images mocking the Obamas, sparking backlash.