President Donald Trump denied a report suggesting that he intended to affix his name to the historic Ford’s Theatre, where former President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to set the record straight that he or his administration had no plans to “affix” his name to Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
He referred to the story as a “ridiculous lie” and “FAKE NEWS!” Trump added, “Who would possibly want a name on such a tragic place?”
Trump Name Report Sparks Controversy
This denial comes in the wake of an MS Now report, which suggested that Trump’s aides were exploring the possibility of associating the President’s name with Ford’s Theatre.
White House officials, advisers and allies have reportedly floated ideas such as naming buildings after Trump as a way to gain his favor. Sources told the publication that officials are also exploring sites that could be renamed for Trump while facing fewer legal hurdles than the Kennedy Center effort.
This theatre is a significant landmark as it was the site of Lincoln‘s assassination in 1865. Ford’s Theatre and Petersen House, where Lincoln later died, are federally owned historic sites managed by the National Park Service, part of the Interior Department, as components of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.
Kennedy Center Renaming Plan Hits Hurdle
Since returning to office, Trump has been associated with a series of changes and projects that prominently feature his name or likeness, such as his image on passports, plans for a 250-foot arch and major changes to the White House grounds, including a new ballroom and a redesigned Rose Garden.
Trump’s effort to rename the Kennedy Center after himself faced a setback earlier this month when a federal judge, for the second time, blocked the proposed name change. The President said the center could close or be “ripped down” without recognition for his administration, while officials cited years of deterioration at the complex.
The judge ordered the Trump administration to give 30 days’ notice before making major changes to the Kennedy Center renovation plans, including possible demolition.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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