US President Donald Trump’s banner was unveiled outside the Justice Department, reinforcing his imprint on federal institutions.

US President Donald Trump has further stamped his presence on Washington’s institutions after a large blue banner bearing his name and slogan was unfurled outside the headquarters of the Justice Department.

The banner, displayed Thursday between two columns at the agency’s entrance, carries the slogan “Make America Safe Again.” The move marks the latest effort by Trump to project his identity onto key federal buildings since returning to the White House last year.

Since beginning his second term in January 2025, Trump has reshaped several government bodies by installing loyalists, renaming institutions and sidelining officials connected to past investigations into his conduct.

Critics argue the changes blur the traditional separation between political leadership and independent government agencies.

Similar banners featuring Trump’s image were previously affixed to the Department of Labor, the Department of Agriculture and the US Institute for Peace.

In December, a board appointed by the president voted to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His name was also placed on the US Institute of Peace building last year.

The White House directed questions about the latest display to the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond. However, in remarks cited by NBC News, a Justice Department spokesperson said the agency was “proud” to highlight its “historic work to make America safe again at President Trump’s direction.”

Trump’s relationship with the Justice Department has been contentious. In 2023, then special counsel Jack Smith secured indictments accusing Trump of improperly retaining classified documents after his first term and attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat. Trump denied wrongdoing and described the cases as politically motivated.

After winning the 2024 election, Smith dropped both cases, citing longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Smith later resigned days before Trump’s return to office.

Since resuming power, the administration has dismissed or reassigned several officials involved in investigations into the president, signaling a significant shift in the department’s leadership and priorities. (AriseNews TV)