Republicans push bill that would force Kennedy Center Opera House to be renamed after Melania Trump

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

House Republicans are pushing to rename the Kennedy Center’s Opera House after Melania Trump.

The House Appropriations Committee considered legislation Tuesday calling for the theater to be renamed as the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.” Representative Mike Simpson, a Republican from Idaho, introduced the proposal as an amendment to a funding bill for the Interior Department, Environmental Protection Agency and other related agencies.

The measure passed 33-25, The Washington Post reports.

“This is an excellent way to recognized [Melania Trump’s] support and commitment to promoting the arts, and I would encourage members to vote for this Republican en bloc amendment,” Simpson said Tuesday.

Melania serves as the honorary chair of the Kennedy Center. In February, President Donald Trump fired members of the Kennedy Center’s board who were hired by President Joe Biden and replaced them with his picks. The board then elected him as the new chair.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.