Democratic Lawmaker Sues to Remove Trump’s Name from the Kennedy Center
Democratic US Representative Joyce Beatty has initiated a lawsuit aimed at removing President Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This legal action comes in the wake of a recent decision made by the Kennedy Center’s board—which Trump appointed with his allies—to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Key Points from the Lawsuit:
– Illegal Renaming Claim: Beatty argues that the renaming was illegal, asserting that any change to the name requires “an act of Congress.”
– Muted Voice: The lawsuit states that although Beatty called into the board meeting to express her opposition, she was muted and unable to voice her concerns.
– Memorial Importance: Beatty emphasizes that Congress intended for the Kennedy Center to serve as a “living memorial” to former President John F. Kennedy.
– Authoritarian Concerns: The lawsuit critically remarks, “in scenes more reminiscent of authoritarian regimes than the American republic,” noting the presence of the sitting President and his allies in this renaming process.
In response to the lawsuit, a White House spokesperson provided a statement highlighting Trump’s contributions to the Kennedy Center, claiming he “stepped up” to “strengthen its finances, modernize the building, and end divisive woke programming.” According to the spokesperson, the board’s unanimous vote to rename the center marks “a historic move” reflecting a new era of prominence for this iconic cultural institution.
Updates on the Name Change:
– Name Addition: As of Friday, Trump’s name has been added to the building’s exterior, and the center’s website now proudly displays “The Trump Kennedy Center.”
– Public Backlash: The name change has sparked significant controversy, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as a symbol of Kennedy’s legacy since its establishment.
Historical Context of the Kennedy Center:
– Construction and Naming: Construction began in the 1950s, and after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Congress officially named it in his honor.
– Board Composition: Shortly after taking office, Trump replaced many board members with loyalists, culminating in his election as board chairman and appointing Richard Grenell as board president. Currently, the board comprises 34 members appointed by Trump and 23 members designated by US law.
– Funding for Renovations: Trump also secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding, citing the venue’s dire need for renovations and improvements.
Family Reactions:
Several members of the Kennedy family have voiced their displeasure regarding the name change. Joe Kennedy III, a former House member and grandnephew of President Kennedy, remarked that “the Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law.” He firmly stated, “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
This lawsuit reflects ongoing tensions over the intersection of politics and cultural institutions, with the focus on preserving the integrity of the Kennedy Center as it grapples with its new identity.