Kennedy Center Board Proposes Options for Recognizing Trump in Court Filing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees is planning to propose adding President Donald Trump's name to the facility's exterior in recognition of his role in addressing its financial challenges, according to a court filing related to a lawsuit aimed at preventing the addition of his name to the building. The filing was made by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio member of the board, who has been leading efforts to block the naming proposal. She stated that the court needed to be informed of the proposal due to its potential impact on a pending decision. The board indicated that without appropriate recognition, it is unlikely that President Trump will provide necessary oversight for the renovation and financial recovery of the Center. The document proposes ten options for adding Trump's name to the building's exterior. Beatty's filing includes two drafted resolutions for consideration at an upcoming board meeting. One resolution suggests shutting down the center, claiming it is unsafe for occupancy, which Beatty argues misrepresents a consulting group's findings. The other document highlights the center's financial difficulties and calls for Trump's name to be inscribed in marble beneath the center's name. Among the proposed inscriptions are "Renovation and endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund" and "With Gratitude for Support from President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund."