Overview
- Host Chuck Redd said he pulled the plug after seeing President Donald Trump’s name added to the Kennedy Center’s website and facade, ending a two-decade holiday tradition.
- Trustees voted on Dec. 18 to add Trump’s name, the center updated its website that day, and crews installed new exterior lettering on Dec. 19 as the White House described the vote as unanimous.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio trustee, has sued in D.C. federal court, arguing the board exceeded authority because Congress established and named the memorial in 1964.
- Legal experts have questioned the board’s power to change the memorial’s name, while artists and members of the Kennedy family voiced opposition and the CBS Honors broadcast used a “Trump Kennedy Center” voiceover.
- Comedy writer Toby Morton bought trumpkennedycenter.org and trumpkennedycenter.com in August anticipating the move and says he plans to use them for satire.