In a recent development, the Kennedy Center has adopted the name “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” This change was reportedly made following a unanimous board vote. However, some experts are questioning the legality of this renaming.
Domain Names Acquired by South Park Writer
Comedy writer Toby Morton, known for his work on “South Park” and “Mad TV,” registered the domain names trumpkennedycenter.org and trumpkennedycenter.com in August. Morton anticipated that Trump’s administration would make a significant mark on the Kennedy Center. He stated, “As soon as Trump began gutting the Kennedy Center board earlier this year, I thought, ‘Yep, that name’s going on the building.’”
Morton’s Motivation Behind the Domains
Morton believes that the Kennedy Center symbolizes culture and should not serve as a platform for personal branding. He emphasized that once it began being treated like this, satire became inevitable. “It’s meant to honor culture, not ego,” he stated.
Although Morton has not launched any websites with these domain names yet, he promises they will capture the absurdity of the current moment.
History of Political Parody
Toby Morton has a history of creating political parody websites. Some of his notable projects include:
- mtg2026.org: A site mocking Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia).
- nancymace26.com: A spoof site targeting Rep. Nancy Mace (R-South Carolina).
- resignchuck.com: Aimed at Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York).
Community Response
Following the Washington Post article about his domain acquisitions, Morton expressed surprise at the positive feedback he received. He remarked on BlueSky, “I’m so used to hate comments that these feel downright refreshing.” Morton’s projects are gaining momentum, and he plans to keep the public updated.
Implications of the Kennedy Center Rename
The renaming of the Kennedy Center has sparked debates about the influence of politics on cultural institutions. The discussion over ownership of such significant cultural spaces continues to unfold, showcasing the interplay between art and politics. As Morton emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural integrity, his parody sites may reflect a unique perspective on the current political landscape.
