Chicago’s Street Renaming Proposal Gains Momentum

In Chicago, a push to rename the street outside Trump International Hotel & Tower is gaining traction. This initiative seeks to honor former President Barack Obama. The proposal emerges as the Obama Presidential Center recently opened on Chicago’s South Side. The opening has drawn criticism from President Donald Trump who targets both the legacy project and the city.

The conflict between Trump and Obama now impacts Chicago’s urban planning. Newsweek contacted the White House, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for comments.

Petition to Rename Street Gains Traction

An online petition on Change.org advocating for the renaming has amassed over 30,000 signatures in two months. The petition proposes changing North Wabash Avenue, a road near Trump’s skyscraper, to Barack Hussein Obama Avenue. Bryce Jones, creator of the petition, highlights its symbolic significance, stating the name change would alter Trump’s property’s official address. “This would send a small message about the values we uphold as a city,” he said.

Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly introduced a measure for an honorary designation. Yet, city council rules generally restrict such honors for living people. The proposed ordinance will move to the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety for review. Supporters timed the renaming with the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center, offering a civic counterbalance to Trump Tower’s branding.

Trump’s Criticism of Obama Center and Chicago

Trump has escalated attacks on the Obama Center and Chicago’s social climate in recent weeks. Before the center’s opening, he criticized its architecture on social media, calling it a “total disaster” and “not too pretty.” He posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting the campus as a garbage dump.

Trump often labels Chicago as violence-ridden, clashing with local Democrats over law enforcement and policy. After reports of a violent weekend causing deaths and injuries, Trump claimed on Truth Social, “Lots of killing going on in Chicago…I could make Chicago a safe city in ONE MONTH.”

Obama Allies Respond

Obama’s allies generally avoid personal attacks, choosing to highlight the center’s mission. The nearly 20-acre Obama Presidential Center focuses on community space, education, and public programming rather than a typical library model. Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett invited Trump to the opening, encouraging him to “judge for yourself.” She added, “Visitors will see a spectacular campus…We would welcome him and give him a tour.”

Timeline: Trump vs. Obama Rivalry

• 2008–2011: “Birther” theory questions Obama’s birthplace during his campaign.
• 2011: Trump demands Obama’s birth certificate, intensifying the feud at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
• 2012–2015: Trump continues spreading birth certificate conspiracy narratives.
• 2016 Presidential Campaign: Trump criticizes Obama’s policies, portraying him as ineffective.
• 2017–2020: Trump continues to criticize Obama’s presidency and legacy.
• 2025: Trump escalates accusations against Obama, including allegations of “treason.”
• 2026: Trump mocks Obama with AI images, maintaining the personal rivalry.