House Republicans are ready to do some rebranding.
On Thursday, GOP members of the House Appropriations Committee voted to rename the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts after Melania Trump. The move to honor the first lady comes after President Trump overhauled the leadership of the arts institution in February, dismissing much of its board and naming himself its chairman. Those moves left some performers, such as Issa Rae and the creative team behind “Hamilton,” vowing to steer clear of the Kennedy Center.
The name change was part of a larger Interior Department spending bill and passed on a vote of 33-25. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson introduced the amendment to rechristen the opera house. In a statement, Simpson said, “naming a theater after [the first lady] is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts.”
Melania Trump serves as honorary chair of the Kennedy Center, as have first ladies before her. President Trump steered clear of the venue during his first term, skipping the Kennedy Center Honors. However, during his second term, he not only toured the venue after overhauling its leadership, but also attended a performance of “Les Miserables” with his wife.
The bill will still needs to be approved by the full House before getting voted on by the Senate. The recent Republican-backed tax bill included $257 million that was earmarked for repairs and maintenance on the Kennedy Center. However, Republicans want to cut the center’s budget for the next year by $7 million.
Spokespeople for the Kennedy Center and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
variety.com
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