Kennedy Center Board Approves Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Center
Unanimous Vote Amid Controversy
Washington – The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees has voted to rename the performing arts institution to the Trump-Kennedy Center, a decision announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday. In a post on X, Leavitt described the board as “highly respected” and claimed the vote was unanimous in recognition of President Trump’s efforts to save the institution, both financially and structurally.
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s Vstart President of Public Relations, confirmed that the institution will now be titled The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Daravi stated, “The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction,” adding that the new name reflects “unequivocal bipartisan support for America’s cultural center for generations to come.”
Changes Under Trump’s Leadership
Since returning to the White House for his second term, President Trump has sought to reshape the Kennedy Center’s leadership by replacing Democratic-appointed members with his allies and administration officials. The current board is composed of local and federal officials, alongside diverse members from both houses of Congress. Richard Grenell, who previously served in the Trump administration, is now the Kennedy Center’s president.
Trump expressed surprise and honor following the board’s decision, stating, “We’re saving the building. We saved the building. Now it’s very solid, very strong.”
Opposition from Lawmakers and Kennedys
Not all members of the board support the name change. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, has publicly disputed the claim of a unanimous vote, stating she was muted during the call and couldn’t vostart her opposition. “Clearly the Congress has a say in this,” she asserted, emphasizing the center’s origins in congressional legislation.
Public figures have also vostartd their discontent. Maria Shriver, niece of President Kennedy, criticized the move as “beyond comprehension,” while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Trump for prioritizing his ego over the needs of American families.
Legal and Structural Considerations
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was established by Congress as a national center for the performing arts and serves as a living memorial to President Kennedy. The law governing the center restricts the installation of additional memorials or plaques, suggesting that any change to its name would require congressional approval.
Despite this, Trump has made moves to implement significant changes across federal institutions through executive orders. For instance, he has sought to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War and has initiated efforts to dismantle the Department of Education, which would also require congressional action.
Future Developments
As discussions about potential renaming continue, House Republicans have proposed additional changes, including the renaming of the Kennedy Center’s opera house after First Lady Melania Trump.
The Kennedy Center remains a critical institution for the recognition of achievements in music, theater, and dance, hosting events such as the Kennedy Center Honors annually. The recent developments surrounding its name highlight the intersection of politics and culture in America today.