Trump threatens to block Kennedy Center repairs unless his name is added
Trump, who chairs the board, threatened to halt a US$257 million renovation unless courts allow his name on the historic venue.
Trump, who chairs the Kennedy Center's board, announced the venue would shut for up to two years for repairs. Hours later, a federal judge blocked the board's plan to add Trump's name to the building's facade.
In response, Trump wrote on social media that renovations would not proceed until an appeals court weighs in on the judge's order. The judge said Congress alone can authorise changes to a memorial dedicated to John F. Kennedy after his assassination.
Trump also cannot rename the campus where the center sits as 'President Donald J. Trump Plaza', the judge ruled. Artists have cancelled performances in protest since Trump took control of the venue.
The centre's opera and symphony orchestra were forced to find other venues due to the dispute. The board warned the venue's finances are deteriorating and may soon struggle to pay staff and contractors.
- $257 million
- Renovation cost
- Up to two years
- Shutdown duration
- Trump chairs the board
- Role
Why it mattersIt raises questions about whether a president can use his control of a venue to force his name on a historic national memorial.
AustraliaNo direct Australian impact yet, but the case shows risks of allowing politicians to control cultural institutions and redirect their purpose.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
