Trump Banner Is Unveiled Outside the Justice Department
A banner proclaiming “Make America Safe Again” was showcased outside the Justice Department, highlighting his increasing impact on federal agencies.
The banner for US President Donald Trump was revealed outside the Justice Department, highlighting his influence on federal institutions.
US President Donald Trump has made a notable impact on Washington’s institutions, as evidenced by a large blue banner displaying his name and slogan that was unveiled outside the headquarters of the Justice Department.
The banner, showcased on Thursday between two columns at the agency’s entrance, features the slogan “Make America Safe Again.” The action represents Trump’s ongoing attempt to imprint his identity on significant federal structures since his return to the White House last year.
Since starting his second term in January 2025, Trump has transformed various government agencies by appointing loyalists, renaming institutions, and marginalizing officials linked to previous inquiries into his actions.
Critics contend that the alterations obscure the conventional distinction between political leadership and autonomous government agencies.
The Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture, and the US Institute for Peace had previously attached similar banners displaying Trump’s image.
In December, a board selected by the president decided to include his name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The US Institute of Peace building also featured his name last year.
The White House referred inquiries regarding the recent display to the Justice Department, which has not yet provided a response. In comments referenced by NBC News, a spokesperson for the Justice Department expressed that the agency was “proud” to showcase its “historic work to make America safe again at President Trump’s direction.”
Conflict has marked the relationship between Trump and the Justice Department. In 2023, special counsel Jack Smith obtained indictments against Trump, alleging that he improperly retained classified documents following his first term and sought to overturn his 2020 election loss. Trump rejected any allegations of misconduct, characterizing the cases as driven by political motives.
Following his victory in the 2024 election, Smith decided to drop both cases, referencing the longstanding policy of the Justice Department that discourages the prosecution of a sitting president. Smith subsequently stepped down just days prior to Trump’s reinstatement in office.
Since taking office again, the administration has let go of or reassigned multiple officials connected to investigations concerning the president, indicating a notable change in the department’s leadership and focus.
