The DSR Network DSR Weekly Wrap-up: A New Name for the Kennedy Center?
Dec 21, 2025
This week unveils a controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center after Trump, sparking fierce debate and ridicule. The hosts dive into TikTok's deal to stave off a US ban amid national security worries. They also discuss the EU's significant loan to Ukraine, highlighting the shifting U.S. stance on support. Other topics include a multi-state manhunt related to recent shootings and a critique of Republicans fixating on transgender issues, alongside a humorous look at Trump's obsession with naming things.
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Legal Limits On Renaming Federal Memorials
- The Kennedy Center board's vote to rename the institution for Donald J. Trump provoked legal and reputational backlash tied to statute-bound federal naming.
- David Rothkopf argues statutory names (like the Kennedy Center) cannot be unilaterally renamed by the board and that the move is politically driven and absurd.
Announcement On Truth Social Sparks Mockery
- The renaming announcement was posted on Truth Social by Caroline Leavitt and the hosts mocked the choice of platform and its tiny revenue.
- The panel joked that harnessing the founders' outrage could power Dayton, Ohio, highlighting the surreal spectacle.
TikTok Deal Shifts Algorithm Control
- ByteDance, Oracle, and Silver Lake agreed to let TikTok operate in the U.S. with ByteDance keeping 19.9% while Oracle would license the recommendation algorithm.
- David Rothkopf warns that algorithm control by Oracle and its owners raises new political influence and transparency concerns despite averting a ban.