Dispute Over Kennedy Center Name Change: Joyce Beatty Challenges Unanimous Vote Claim

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board of trustees, has publicly disputed the White House's assertion that the board unanimously voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the Trump-Kennedy Center. In a video posted on social media, Beatty claimed she was muted during the virtual meeting and was not allowed to voice her opposition. “I was on that call, and as I tried to push my button to voice my concern... I was muted,” she stated. Beatty emphasized that the vote was not on the meeting's agenda, labeling the situation as “censorship” and asserting that the decision lacked consensus.

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The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, announced the name change, framing it as a unanimous decision by a board composed largely of President Donald Trump's allies. Leavitt described the board as "highly respected" and noted that the name change reflects Trump's contributions to the center. However, Beatty and other ex officio members, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, criticized the process, stating it exhibited a “troubling lack of transparency and respect for the rule of law.” They argued that the Kennedy Center Act of 1964 requires congressional approval for any name changes, thus questioning the legality of the board's decision.

The Hill

The name change has been met with significant backlash from both the Kennedy family and congressional Democrats. Joe Kennedy III, the grandson of President John F. Kennedy, stated that the Kennedy Center is a living memorial and cannot be renamed without congressional action. Maria Shriver, JFK's niece, expressed her disbelief and anger over the decision, emphasizing the center's historical significance. Critics argue that the move reflects a broader trend of politicizing cultural institutions under Trump's administration.

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While the White House maintains that the vote was unanimous, Beatty's claims raise questions about the meeting's conduct and whether all board members were allowed to participate fully. Some reports indicate that other members confirmed Beatty's assertion that she was muted during the call. The Kennedy Center has not released a transcript of the meeting, leaving uncertainties about the voting process and the legality of the name change.

Columbus Dispatch

In light of the controversy, Beatty and other members of Congress are preparing to send a letter protesting the name change. The Kennedy Center's board has not publicly addressed the allegations of censorship or the legality of their decision, and the situation continues to unfold as reactions from various stakeholders emerge.

Inquisitr

• “For the record. This was not unanimous. I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move,” — Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio

Reuters

• “This whole process displays the corruption that permeates the entire Trump Administration, and as ex-officio members of the Kennedy Center Board, we will be unwavering in our commitment to holding this Administration accountable,” — Joint statement from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and others.

Kennedy Center board member claims she was forcibly muted during call on name change: ‘This was not unanimous’

• “The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law.” — Joe Kennedy III, grandson of President John F. Kennedy.

Reuters