CPAC’s Schlapp says Kennedy Center should send $25M to DC charities

American Conservative Union Chairman Matt Schlapp called on the Kennedy Center to redirect the $25 million it will receive in the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package to charity.

The funding for the Kennedy Center, a federal entity, has been shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, like other public and private arts entities.

“To show respect for the many Americans suffering economically or fighting for their health due to the Corona virus I call on Kennedy Ctr Chair David Rubenstein to return the $25 million in the soon to pass Cares Act or redirect it to a DC charity helping victims. Show us you care,” Schlapp, a frequent cable news guest, wrote on Twitter.

To show respect for the many Americans suffering economically or fighting for their health due to the Corona virus I call on Kennedy Ctr Chair David Rubenstein to return the $25 million in the soon to pass Cares Act or redirect it to a DC charity helping victims. Show us You care

— Matt Schlapp (@mschlapp) March 26, 2020

President Trump on Wednesday defended the funding to the Kennedy Center, though he also said it was a Democratic request made in the course of talks on the Senate package.

He said the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is deserving of assistance given its inability to put on shows as officials ban large gatherings to try to curb the spread of the virus.

“I’m a fan of that,” Trump said of the funding. “I haven’t spent time there because I’m far too busy. I’d love to go there evenings, but I’m too busy doing things.”

“The Kennedy Center, they do a beautiful job, an incredible job,” he added.