White House Claims Unanimous Vote Renames Kennedy Center to Trump-Kennedy Center, Amid Backlash

The White House announced on Thursday that the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington will be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center in honor of US President Donald Trump's efforts in saving the building. However, this move has been met with opposition from Democrats, who claim that the board overstepped its authority in making the decision without legislative action. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the Kennedy Center's board voted unanimously to rename the center, citing Trump's 'unbelievable work' in saving the building financially, reconstructing it, and enhancing its reputation. The new name, as stated by Leavitt, will be the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. However, this decision has been disputed by Democrats, including House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who emphasized that only Congress has the authority to rename the Kennedy Center. Former Senate historian Donald A Ritchie also pointed out that the board cannot make a name change that would 'legally stick' without legislative action. The Kennedy Center's website has already reflected the new name, but the legitimacy of the decision remains in question. Trump had previously referred to the center as the 'Trump Kennedy Center' in public appearances, but the move has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers and the public alike.