Kennedy Center board votes to add Trump name
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The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” according to the White House and multiple news reports. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the vote was unanimous and framed it as recognition of President Trump’s work to “sav the building” through reconstruction, finances, and reputation. Several reports note that a formal name change may require congressional approval because the center’s name is set in federal law. The move has also drawn objections from some Democrats and members of the Kennedy family, who argue the renaming undermines a national memorial.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington; its name is set by law.

Highlights:

  • Unanimous dispute: Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, said the White House’s description of the vote as “unanimous” was not accurate, arguing opposition was not reflected as such.
  • Legal authority: Punchbowl’s Jake Sherman and other observers cited in coverage argued the board lacks authority to rename a building whose name is established by statute, making Congress a likely gatekeeper for any official change.
  • Ticket sales: The New York Times analysis referenced in other coverage said ticket sales fell by about 50% between October and December, amid debate over the center’s direction and stewardship.
  • Board reshuffle: Articles report President Trump removed prior board members early in his term and installed allies and administration figures, after which the board voted to make him chair.
  • Wider pattern: The New York Post reported that the U.S. Institute of Peace was also renamed earlier this month in honor of the sitting president.
I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. - Karoline Leavitt

Perspectives:

  • White House: Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the board voted unanimously and presented the new name as recognition for President Trump’s role in the center’s reconstruction, finances, and reputation. (CBS News)
  • Kennedy Center board critics (Democrats): House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who serves on the board, denounced the move as a “disgrace,” according to reporting. (South China Morning Post)
  • Kennedy family: Maria Shriver and other relatives criticized the renaming as an insult to President John F. Kennedy’s legacy and to the center’s purpose as a memorial. (AlterNet)
  • Legal and political observers: Some scholars and reporters cited in coverage said the center’s name is set by federal statute and questioned whether the board can change it without congressional action. (The New York Times)

Sources:

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