Melania Trump could soon have her name on one of the most iconic venues in Washington D.C. But as expected, not everyone is here for it!
According to the New York Times, Republican members of the Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to a spending bill that would rename the opera house at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. after Melania Trump. If the bill moves forward, the venue would officially become the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House. Hmm…
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John F. Kennedy’s Grandson Speaks Out
Since returning to office, Donald Trump has taken over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, quickly clearing out Biden-era appointees and removing both longtime president Deborah F. Rutter and former chairman David M. Rubenstein from their posts.
The Kennedy Center has served as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy since 1964, which is why his grandson, Jack Schlossberg, is one of many people speaking out against the proposed name change. He took to Instagram to call out the proposal, referencing a federal statute from 1983 that bans new memorials or plaques in the center’s public spaces.
“Plain reading of the statute makes clear – YOU CAN’T DO THAT,” he wrote in the caption, along with a screenshot of the law. He also added in bold letters: “Law prohibits renaming Kennedy Center.”
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Republicans are unsurprisingly defending the proposal. "This designation is an excellent way to recognize her support and commitment to promoting the arts," said Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who led the Appropriations Committee's bill that controls Kennedy Center funding.
But not everyone feels the same way. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) pushed back on the amendment, saying: "The Republicans snuck in, I think, something that is slightly divisive, which is renaming one section of the Kennedy Center after a family member of this administration."
The whole thing is especially awkward considering Trump was heavily booed during an appearance at the Kennedy Center just last month.
Trump directed around $25M in funding to the Kennedy Center back in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts. More recently, his administration has requested roughly $257M for major repairs and renovations, which is nearly six times higher than its usual federal funding. While his team says this money is needed for overdue maintenance and updating programming, critics argue it's politically motivated, and question whether it justifies renaming a major part of the institution after his wife.
Internet Reactions
"Not just NO, but HELL NO!" exclaimed one disapproving X user. "There is no basis for this and is an affront to the nation!" agreed a second, as a third said: "If their goal is to stop filling the audience performance after performance, this is a good idea..."
"Wow, how to bankrupt a once prestigious house," slammed a fourth. "What has Melania done for Americans? Michelle Obama deserves this honor! Melania doesn't even live at the White House and we still understand Trump pays her to attend WH events! We deserve better!" added a fifth, as a sixth called the proposal "absolutely insane."
