The Board of Trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is planning to propose new options for honoring former President Donald Trump, including placing his name on the facility's exterior. This development emerges from a court filing related to an ongoing legal effort to block such a move, highlighting the board's efforts to recognize Trump's potential contributions to the center's financial stability.
The new information was disclosed by Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio member of the board who has been leading an effort to prevent Trump's name from being added to the building. Beatty's filing alerts the court to the proposed actions, which she argues could influence a pending judicial decision.
According to the court documents, the board is expected to vote on proposals that include potentially shutting down the center, asserting it is unsafe for occupancy. Beatty's filing notes that this assertion incorrectly cites a consulting group's findings. Additionally, the board is considering the center's "dire financial straits" and has outlined 10 options for inscribing Trump's name on the building's exterior, beneath the main name. One proposed inscription reads: "Renovation and endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund."
Another option suggests: "With Gratitude for Support from President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund."
In a draft resolution, the board stated, "The Board understands that without such appropriate recognition it is unlikely that President Trump will provide the fundamental oversight of the renovation of the main building and lead the fiscal rescue of the Center."
This situation follows a May ruling where a judge ordered the removal of Trump's name from the building, stating it was added illegally. Trump and his supporters have continued to contest this ruling. Last month, the board had voted to inscribe "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump" on the venue's facade. Another inscription, "Endowed by the Trump Kennedy Center Fund," would be added if the associated fund reached $100 million.
Trump has previously pursued projects that involved reshaping Washington, including demolishing part of the White House for a ballroom, planning a triumphal arch, and renovating a golf course along the Potomac River.