The battle over the Kennedy Center's future escalated Thursday as President Trump's allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order. During an hourslong meeting that was conducted virtually, the board voted to add Trump's name to the building's facade so it would read "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump." The plaza in front of the building would be named after Trump and most of the space at the venue would be closed for two years to allow for substantial renovations, the AP reports.
The changes, described by Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who is an ex-officio board member, and her lawyers, amount to a dramatic test of US District Judge Christopher Cooper. He ruled in May that letters affixed to the building that spelled out Trump's name were added illegally and he ordered their removal, a decision that the Republican administration failed to persuade courts to overturn. At the same time, Cooper blocked a two-year closure that was set to take effect July 5, saying an earlier board vote authorizing the shuttering was "ill-informed and seemingly preordained."
"This latest development is a transparent effort to circumvent the Court's ruling, and flies in the face of the statutes that Congress passed," Beatty said in a statement. "I will continue to fight for this treasured national monument." Sources tell the Washington Post that the board also voted to add the line "Endowed by the Trump Kennedy Center Fund" to the facade if an endowment named after Trump reaches $100 million. The board, which is chaired by Trump, said it wanted to recognize Trump's contributions as an "unparalleled fundraiser and world-class developer" and told center director Matt Floca to "undertake all legal means to effectuate such recognition" within two weeks, the Post reports.
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