The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has voted to establish a new endowment in President Donald Trump’s name, apparently creating an additional source of private funding to complement its existing endowments and the approximately $257 million in federal funding appropriated for its building renovations.
The Center’s board of trustees, which is chaired by Trump and composed largely of the president’s allies, voted unanimously to establish the new endowment during a meeting on Thursday, June 11. The board also voted to file an emergency appeal seeking to stay a federal court order requiring the removal of the president’s name from the arts and cultural venue’s facade. Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the Federal District Court in Washington ruled last month that the name change violated an act of Congress and ordered the Center to restore its official name as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by Friday, June 12.
“We remain fully compliant with the court’s directive while we evaluate legal options regarding the Board’s unanimous vote,” said Roma Davari, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, in a statement. “The establishment of the Trump Kennedy Center Fund is intended to recognize President Donald J. Trump’s significant contributions and dedication to America’s premier cultural center, while furthering our founding mission like never before.”
