Kennedy Center thanks Trump for 'gesture' of not attending annual honors

[babylonsister]

Kennedy Center thanks Trump for 'gesture' of not attending annual honors
By Brandon Carter - 08/19/17 08:37 AM EDT


The chairman and president of the Kennedy Center said they were “grateful for this gesture” after it was announced President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump would not attend the Kennedy Center Honors in December.

“The Kennedy Center respects the decision made today by the office of the president of the United States,” chairman David M. Rubenstein and president Deborah F. Rutter said in a joint statement.

“In choosing not to participate in this year’s Honors activities, the administration has graciously signaled its respect for the Kennedy Center and ensures the Honors gala remains a deservingly special moment for the honorees. We are grateful for this gesture," they said.

The Kennedy Center also confirmed that the annual reception held at the White House would not take place this year.

The White House announced early Saturday that Trump and the First Lady would be skipping the honors to avoid “political distraction.”

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http://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/347202-kennedy-center-on-trump-not-attending-annual-honors-we-are