Breaking: Comedian Snaps Up Domains Mocking Trump’s Kennedy Center Takeover as Ratings Crash
WASHINGTON D.C. – December 27, 2025 – In a swift response to former President Trump’s controversial rebranding of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, comedian and digital satirist Toby Morton has acquired the domain names “trumpkennedycenter.org” and “trumpkennedycenter.com.” This move comes amidst plummeting viewership for the recently concluded Kennedy Center Honors, a clear indication of public reaction to the changes. This is a developing breaking news story, and archyde.com is providing instant updates.
Trump’s Kennedy Center: A Cultural Collision & Domain Warfare
Morton, known for his “anti-fascist websites” and previous online pranks targeting figures like Devin Nunes (creator of the @Devincow Twitter account), purchased the domains last August, anticipating Trump’s push to rename the iconic cultural institution. He described his actions as an inevitable response to what he sees as the “personal branding” of a space meant to celebrate culture, not ego. “I thought, yes, the name goes on the building… The rest went as planned,” Morton told The Washington Post. He promises a website filled with “surprises” – a digital reflection of the current absurdity.
The renaming itself faces legal challenges. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) has filed a lawsuit, citing a 1964 law that specifically designates the center as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This isn’t just a symbolic battle; it’s a legal one, highlighting the potential overreach of executive power and the importance of preserving cultural landmarks.
Kennedy Center Honors Viewership Plummets 35%
The immediate fallout from Trump’s influence on the Kennedy Center is already visible in the ratings. This year’s Kennedy Center Honors, featuring performers like KISS, Sylvester Stallone, and Gloria Gaynor, saw a staggering 35% drop in viewership, averaging just 2.65 million viewers on CBS – the lowest in the show’s history. Compared to the 4.1 million viewers in 2024, the decline is dramatic. This data, reported by Deadline.com and preliminary Nielsen figures, suggests a significant audience disengagement linked to the political changes at the center.
The Power of Satire & Digital Activism in the Age of Trump
Morton’s actions are a prime example of how digital activism and satire are being used to challenge political narratives. His history with accounts like @Devincow demonstrates a willingness to use online platforms to expose and ridicule perceived abuses of power. This isn’t new; political cartoons and satire have a long history, but the internet provides a much wider and faster reach. For those interested in learning more about the legal aspects of domain name ownership and potential trademark issues, resources like the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) offer valuable information.
The Kennedy Center’s decision to end its partnership with the American College Theater Festival and Chuck Redd’s cancellation of his Christmas Eve concert further illustrate the ripple effect of the renaming controversy. These actions signal a broader cultural resistance to the politicization of the arts.
As the legal battles unfold and Morton’s satirical website launches, the future of the Kennedy Center remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the attempt to transform a national cultural treasure into a personal monument has ignited a firestorm of criticism and creative resistance. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuous coverage of this evolving story and for in-depth analysis of the intersection between politics, culture, and the digital world. We’re committed to delivering the SEO-optimized Google News updates you need, when you need them.
