Key Takeaways
- Toby Morton, a comedian and former writer for South Park and Mad TV, purchased the domain names "trumpkennedycenter.org" and "trumpkennedycenter.com" in anticipation of the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- The renaming of the center to include Donald Trump’s name has drawn significant backlash, including a lawsuit and the cancellation of a long-standing Christmas Eve concert.
- The move is seen as a violation of a 1964 law designating the center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- Morton plans to use the domain names to create a parody website that reflects the absurdity of the moment.
Introduction to the Story
Toby Morton, a comedian and former writer for South Park and Mad TV, saw the writing on the wall when he purchased the domain names "trumpkennedycenter.org" and "trumpkennedycenter.com" last August. This move was made months before President Donald Trump began floating the idea of renaming The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in his own honor. Morton’s decision to buy these domain names was a prescient one, as the center’s Trump-appointed board recently announced that Trump’s name would be added to the arts organization. The Washington D.C. building now bears the name "The Donald Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts," a move that has sparked significant controversy.
Morton’s Motivations
In an interview with the Washington Post, Morton explained that he decided to purchase the domain names after Trump began making changes to the Kennedy Center board earlier this year. Morton stated, "I thought, Yep, that name’s going on the building. The rest followed on schedule." This move is not the first time Morton has purchased domain names to make a point. He has previously bought domain names associated with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Nancy Mace, and Sen. Chuck Schumer, using them to create parody accounts. Morton’s Instagram page identifies him as a "Creator of Anti-Fascist Websites," and his actions suggest that he is committed to using his skills to speak out against what he sees as injustices.
The Renaming Controversy
The renaming of the Kennedy Center has drawn considerable backlash from the public and from those in the arts community. The American College Theatre Festival has ended its 58-year partnership with the center, and a noted jazz musician has canceled a Christmas Eve concert that had been a tradition for over 20 years. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) has also filed a lawsuit, insisting that the board vote to change the name is null and void. The renaming is seen as a violation of a 1964 law signed by President Lyndon Johnson, which designated the arts institution as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Many see the move as an attempt to erase the legacy of President Kennedy and to promote Trump’s own ego.
Morton’s Plans for the Domain Names
Morton has stated that he plans to use the Trump-Kennedy domain names to create a parody website that reflects the absurdity of the moment. He told the Post, "The Trump sites will absolutely reflect the absurdity of the moment. Lots of surprises. Some things are truly hard to parody, though." Morton’s use of the domain names is likely to add to the controversy surrounding the renaming of the Kennedy Center. With his background in comedy and satire, Morton is well-equipped to use the domain names to make a pointed commentary on the situation.
The Significance of the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center has long been a cultural institution that is meant to outlast any one administration or personality. As Morton noted, "The Kennedy Center has always been a cultural institution meant to outlast any one administration or personality. It’s meant to honor culture, not ego." The renaming of the center is seen as a threat to this mission, and many are speaking out against the move. The controversy surrounding the renaming of the Kennedy Center is a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural institutions and protecting them from political manipulation.
Conclusion
The story of Toby Morton and the Trump-Kennedy domain names is a fascinating one that highlights the controversy surrounding the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Morton’s prescient purchase of the domain names and his plans to use them to create a parody website are a testament to his commitment to speaking out against what he sees as injustices. The renaming of the Kennedy Center is a complex issue that raises important questions about the role of cultural institutions in society and the impact of political manipulation on these institutions. As the controversy continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Morton’s parody website and other forms of satire and commentary contribute to the conversation.
