HOUSE REPUBLICANS PROPOSE TO RENAME KENNEDY CENTER AFTER DONALD TRUMP*

A recent bill introduced by House Republicans aims to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the "Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts". The proposal, put forth by Representative Bob Onder (R-Mo.), is part of the "Make Entertainment Great Again (MEGA) Act". *Background of the Proposal:* - The bill seeks to recognize Donald Trump's supposed dedication to preserving the arts, citing his appearances in TV shows and films like "The Apprentice" and "Saturday Night Live". - Onder stated that Trump has "captivated and entertained audiences for decades" and is a "significant cultural icon" in the past 40 years. *Controversy Surrounding the Proposal

The proposal has sparked criticism, with Kennedy's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, expressing his disapproval. - The move comes after Trump's appointment as chairman of the Kennedy Center, which led to controversy, including the firing of longtime president Deborah F. Rutter and a significant drop in ticket sales. *Impact on the Kennedy Center:* - The center has seen a decline in subscriptions and revenues since Trump's appointment, with single ticket sales dropping by 50% in March and April compared to the same period in 2024. - Theatrical revenues were down by 86%, and dance revenues by 57%, according to The New York Times