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Kennedy Center board approves renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center
The White House announced Friday that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will now bear former President Donald Trump's name following a unanimous board vote, a decision sparking immediate backlash from lawmakers and the Kennedy family.
White House announces controversial decision
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the change on social media, crediting Trump's efforts over the past year to "save" the iconic Washington, D.C., venue. She extended congratulations to the late President Kennedy, calling the new name a "truly great team" that would elevate the center's future success.
Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, expressed surprise and honor at the decision. However, earlier this month, he had joked about a potential name change during the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, hinting at the move.
Board reshuffle paved way for Trump's influence
Shortly after taking office, Trump replaced all existing board members with allies, including close adviser Richard Grenell as president. Current board members include Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Second Lady Usha Vance, among other administration figures.
Trump also secured $257 million in congressional funding for renovations, citing the center's deteriorating physical condition. "We saved it," he said Thursday. "It was really in bad shape."
Dispute over vote's legitimacy
While Leavitt and Trump claimed the vote was unanimous, Ohio Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a board member, contradicted the assertion. "This was not unanimous," she said, alleging she was muted during the call and prevented from voicing opposition.
Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy's grandson and a congressional candidate, echoed the claim on X, stating microphones were muted to stifle dissent. Legal experts and lawmakers argue the 1964 federal law establishing the center as a Kennedy memorial requires congressional approval for any name change.
"The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says."
Joe Kennedy III, former U.S. Representative
Kennedy's niece, Maria Shriver, called the move "downright weird" and "obsessive," questioning the appropriateness of adding Trump's name to the memorial.
Legal and political fallout
Senior Democrats on the board, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemned the process as lacking transparency and respect for the rule of law. They emphasized that congressional action is required to alter the center's name, though the board could still implement changes on its website or signage.
A similar unauthorised name change occurred in September when the Department of Defense was rebranded as the Department of War without legislative approval.
Artistic and public backlash
Trump's involvement has drawn criticism for politicizing the arts. Shortly after his takeover, Lin-Manuel Miranda canceled a planned *Hamilton* run, and other artists have withdrawn from scheduled performances. Dozens of staff, including key artistic decision-makers, have resigned or been fired.
Local audiences have also reportedly stayed away, with the *Washington Post* reporting declines in ticket sales and subscriptions. Trump claimed a 98% role in selecting this year's Kennedy Center honorees, which included Sylvester Stallone and the band KISS, while excluding figures he deemed "wokesters."
During Trump's June appearance at the center, audience reactions were mixed, with both boos and cheers greeting him and First Lady Melania Trump.
