The Kennedy Center could reportedly close as early as Tuesday, with its Trump-appointed leadership arguing that putting Donald Trump’s name on the building could help prevent financial collapse.
The Washington Post obtained documents describing the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as facing an immediate financial crisis.
Reuters reports that the institution’s leadership believes Trump’s name on the facade could help attract the money needed to keep it operating.
The controversy has already been through the courts.
A federal judge previously ruled that Trump’s name had been added illegally and ordered it removed.
The Trump-aligned board later voted again to add wording crediting Trump with restoring and renovating the institution.
Now the naming dispute is being tied directly to its finances.
A PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL NEEDS ANOTHER PRESIDENT’S NAME?
The Kennedy Center is America’s national cultural memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Its current leadership is effectively arguing that Donald Trump’s personal brand could help rescue it financially.
That creates an extraordinary governance problem.
Boards change.
Presidents change.
Political control changes.
A national institution should not need the personal brand of the president who appointed its board to remain financially viable.
Sources
Reuters: Kennedy Center reportedly on brink of bankruptcy
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