The Trump Name Is Removed From NYC Ice Rinks
Soon enough, ice skaters will be lacing up to take a spin around the two rinks in Central Park, a beloved New York City holiday tradition. But the picturesque spots will look different this year—The Washington Post reported on Tuesday that the rinks, which are operated by the Trump Organization, have been scrubbed of the President's name.
Though they are officially called the Wollman and Lasker Rinks, the two skating rinks had Trump's name prominently displayed—in large red capital letters—at the welcome sign, inside the actual rink, and at the rental desk. Now, the welcome sign more discreetly reads, "Operated by the Trump Organization" and a white tarp partially covers the name at the rental desk, the Post reported.
A city spokeswoman told the Post that the Trump Organization decided to make a change this summer, notifying the Parks Department in August that they would remove the name.
Trump has operated the rinks since 1986, under a concession from the city of New York. They are, ironically, one of Trump's early success stories. In the late ’70s, the city had promised to renovate Wollmon Rink in two years, but the beloved landmark had remained closed instead for six. In stepped Donald Trump, who convinced then-Mayor Ed Koch to let him finish the work in four months as long as he could manage the venue. In this case, promises were kept.
The rinks helped Trump establish himself as a businessman and city celebrity. Of course, the rinks were not the only structures bearing his name: Trump owned or owns numerous hotels, apartment buildings, resorts, and golf courses. Since he took office, his name has been removed from three hotels and six Manhattan residential buildings whose owners had paid to license the Trump name, according to the Post.
The ice rinks, however, are run directly by Trump’s firm. The Post said it has not identified other "instances in which the Trump Organization voluntarily removed so much Trump-branded signage from any property."
The news comes on the heels of another headline-making decision fo a Trump property. Just a few days ago, the White House announced the 2020 G7 summit will not be held at the Trump National Doral Miami golf resort, after the President announced on October 18 that it would be.
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