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House Republicans Propose Renaming Kennedy Center Opera House After Melania Trump
In a move that’s already sparking debate, House Republicans have proposed renaming the Kennedy Center’s iconic opera house after former First Lady Melania Trump. The proposal was included as an amendment to an Interior Department spending bill and would designate the performance venue as the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.”
Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson introduced the amendment, stating during a committee meeting that the renaming would be an “excellent way to recognize” Mrs. Trump’s role as honorary chairwoman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees and her commitment to the arts.
The amendment passed the House Appropriations Committee by a 35–22 vote, with only one Democrat—Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez—joining Republicans in support. However, the future of the proposal is far from certain. The bill must still pass the full House and would require bipartisan support in the Senate, where Democrats hold significant influence.
Congress is also facing a tight deadline to pass government funding bills before the current fiscal year ends. Lawmakers are expected to recess shortly, and with limited time upon their return, it remains unclear whether this provision will make it into any final budget agreement.
Notably, the first lady’s office has not commented on the proposal, and public reaction remains divided along political lines. Some see the move as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, while others argue it could politicize a national cultural institution named after President John F. Kennedy.
Earlier this year, the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees also elected former President Donald Trump as its chairman—a move that drew significant attention. Trump celebrated the appointment on his social platform, calling it a “great honor” and pledging to make the center “a very special and exciting place.”
🟦 What do you think? Should national institutions like the Kennedy Center reflect current political figures, or remain focused on legacy and tradition?
There's already a President Biden Expressway renamed during his living years -- a short jaunt that dead-ends in Scranton. The "focus of legacy and tradition" is non-controversy engineered simply because of the link to Trump. One could easily argue that a National Expressway used by 10's of thousands daily is far more in the public eye than an Opera House.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I notice there's absolutely nothing in the story about "Trump Explodes".
No don't change the Kennedy Center .Pendent John F. Was a. Great And be Loved Person And President. I don't know the 1st Lady. I feel. It shouldn't be done. Keep. President John F Kennedy Name on the Building.
ReplyDelete