Full Breakdown
Chicago Alderman Proposes Renaming Wabash Avenue to Barack Hussein Obama Way
6/22/2026, 12:31:37 AM
Proposed Honorary Renaming
Alderman Brendan Reilly, a Democrat from Chicago’s 42nd Ward, introduced an ordinance to honorarily rename the stretch of North Wabash Avenue between East Kinzie and East Wacker—where Trump International Hotel & Tower stands at 401 N. Wabash—to “Barack Hussein Obama Way.” The measure adds an honorary sign at the tower and bridge, leaving green signs unchanged.
Legal Context
Chicago’s code bars street names for living persons. The ordinance requires review by the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety before a City Council vote.
Background & Context
The proposal arrives as the Obama Presidential Center is set to open in Jackson Park, a development that has drawn national attention. In 2016, Alderman Reilly successfully removed the honorary “Trump Plaza” sign near the hotel, marking the first symbolic reversal of a Trump-related street designation in Chicago.
Key Actors and Their Positions
Reilly called the rename “the fastest, easiest way to accomplish the goal” and linked it to his 2016 removal of the “Trump Plaza” designation. Organizer Bryce Jones said it sends a “small message” about Chicago values. Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Obama’s “exceptional leadership.” Robinson’s prior Columbus Drive proposal for Obama failed to win council support.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The petition lists about 30,000 signatures (NBC Chicago), 25,000 (Washington Examiner) and over 22,000 as of June 16 (RawStory). No council vote has occurred; the ordinance awaits committee review, and a city rule barring street names for living people makes the sign’s permanence uncertain.
Official Statements & Responses
Reilly described the rename as a tribute to hope and change. Johnson said he was glad the proposal was introduced and praised Obama’s “exceptional leadership.” The designation signals Chicago’s commitment to inclusivity.
Criticism & Opposition
Jones called the effort a “vanity war” aimed at President Trump, noting “under the current administration… I felt the harsh realities of life under stringent immigration policies.” Legal analysts note the city’s ban on naming streets for living persons, making the honorary sign the only visible change.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We propose a tribute to a figure who stands for hope and change, Barack Hussein Obama.” — Change.org petition description
- “This is something I actually joked about years ago, now it seems more appropriate ,” — Brendan Reilly, Chicago Alderman
- “ Jones said changing Trump Tower’s address would “send a small message” about Chicagoans’ values.” — Bryce Jones, petition organizer
- “The spirit of this is really to recognize Obama,” — Brendan Reilly, Chicago Alderman
What's Next
The ordinance now goes to the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety. If approved, it will advance to a City Council vote, after which an honorary sign could be installed outside Trump Tower.
