Howard Lutnick floats plan to keep Trump’s name on Kennedy Center
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made an unexpected appearance outside a courthouse on Thursday, raising a new theory for how President Donald Trump could keep his name atop the Kennedy Center ahead of a key hearing over the disputed rebranding.
TL;DR
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick proposed adding a credit for President Trump's renovations below the Kennedy Center's official name.
- The proposal awaits review by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who previously ruled only Congress can change the center's name.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty's attorney argues the board is trying to circumvent the judge's order by adding renovation credits and naming the plaza after Trump.
- A Kennedy Center attorney claims the inscription is merely recognition for renovations, not a renaming.
- The center faces potential demolition without a proposed construction plan, and Justice Department lawyers argue excluding Trump's name could deter donors.