On Tuesday, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney took a significant step against the recent decision to add President Donald Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Delaney introduced two bills aimed at overturning the board’s unanimous vote to rename the iconic venue, now referred to as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
The proposed legislation includes the Kennedy Center Protection Act, which seeks to nullify the board’s decision and prevent future renamings of the center. It mandates the removal of all signage depicting Trump’s name and requires a report to Congress detailing the expenditures related to the name change.
Additionally, Delaney is advocating for the Federal Property Integrity Act, a measure designed to prohibit the renaming of any federal building, land, or asset in honor of a sitting president.
Delaney expressed her sentiments clearly, stating, “Congress must stop the ‘Trump branding’ of our national treasures and memorials, particularly an institution which uplifts our national arts and commemorates the late President John F. Kennedy. And if it isn’t clear enough, my second bill will ensure that no other federal landmark can ever be named in honor of a sitting President. It’s past time that lawmakers drew a firm line to prevent these types of activities.”
Several cosponsors, including Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Jahana Hayes, and Rep. Adelita Grijalva, joined Delaney in supporting this legislation.
The recent developments were triggered after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Kennedy Center board voted unanimously to bestow Trump’s name on the venue. Leavitt justified the decision by praising Trump’s efforts in restoring the building financially and improving its reputation. Crews were recently spotted working on installing new signage outside the center.
This legislative effort highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the intersection of politics and public monuments, underscoring Congresswoman Delaney’s commitment to preserving the legacy of institutions that reflect the values of the nation. With this move, there is a renewed push for preserving the integrity of cultural landmarks and ensuring they remain untethered from political branding.