What's happened
On December 19, 2025, the Kennedy Center's Trump-appointed board voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The move, announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, has sparked legal and political controversy, with critics arguing only Congress can authorize such a change.
What's behind the headline?
Political Maneuvering and Legal Ambiguity
The renaming of the Kennedy Center to include Donald Trump's name is less a cultural decision and more a political statement. By installing a board loyal to him and then pushing through a unilateral name change, Trump is asserting control over a national institution traditionally protected by federal law. This move challenges established legal norms, as experts like Georgetown law professor David Super emphasize that only Congress holds the authority to rename the center.
Partisan Divides and Institutional Impact
The controversy exposes deep partisan rifts. Democratic ex officio board members, including Rep. Joyce Beatty and Sen. Hakeem Jeffries, have condemned the process as lacking transparency and legality, with Beatty alleging she was muted during the vote. The Kennedy family has vocally opposed the change, underscoring the symbolic importance of the center as a memorial.
Cultural and Operational Consequences
Since Trump's takeover, the center has seen significant staff turnover and a sharp decline in ticket sales, indicating operational instability. Artists have boycotted the venue, reflecting broader cultural pushback. Trump's efforts to rebrand and reshape the center align with his broader agenda of imprinting his legacy on federal institutions, as seen with the renaming of the U.S. Institute of Peace and alterations to the White House grounds.
Forecast and Implications
The renaming will likely face legal challenges and congressional scrutiny. Without legislative approval, the name change remains symbolic rather than official. However, the physical addition of Trump's name to the building signals a new era of politicized control over cultural landmarks. This episode will deepen partisan tensions and may prompt legislative action to clarify naming authorities. For the public, it raises questions about the politicization of national memorials and the preservation of historical legacies.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Chris Cameron details the internal upheaval at the Kennedy Center, noting Trump's replacement of board members and the sharp decline in ticket sales, highlighting operational turmoil. Cameron quotes Trump claiming surprise at the renaming vote, despite his months-long social media references to the "Trump-Kennedy" Center. The Independent's Josh Marcus reports on Rep. Joyce Beatty's allegations of being muted during the vote and the legal consensus that only Congress can rename the center, citing Georgetown law professor David Super. Sky News emphasizes the strong opposition from Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Kennedy family members, with Jeffries calling the renaming a "disgrace" and Joe Kennedy III comparing it to renaming the Lincoln Memorial. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, quoted by AP News and the NY Post, defends the change as recognition of Trump's "unbelievable work" in saving the building, framing it as a bipartisan achievement. Al Jazeera and The Japan Times underline the legal ambiguity and the necessity of congressional approval, while also noting Trump's broader pattern of renaming federal institutions. These contrasting perspectives reveal a story of political power plays clashing with legal norms and cultural heritage.
How we got here
The Kennedy Center, established as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, has been overseen by a board traditionally appointed by the president. In 2025, President Trump replaced board members with his allies and became chairman. He has since pushed renovations and rebranding efforts, including renaming the U.S. Institute of Peace after himself. Legal experts and lawmakers maintain that only Congress can officially rename the Kennedy Center.
Go deeper
- Can Congress legally block the Kennedy Center name change?
- What has been the Kennedy family's response to the renaming?
- How has the Kennedy Center's operation changed under Trump's leadership?
Common question
-
Why Did the Kennedy Center Change Its Name to Trump-Kennedy?
The recent decision to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump-Kennedy Center has sparked widespread controversy and questions. Many wonder what prompted this change, how it was decided, and what it means for the future of the memorial. In this page, we explore the reasons behind the renaming, the reactions from different groups, and what legal and political implications are involved. If you're curious about this surprising move, read on to find clear answers to your questions.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Karoline Claire Leavitt ( LEV-it; born August 24, 1997) is an American political spokesperson who has served since 2025 as the 36th White House press secretary under the second Trump administration. A member of the Republican Party, she was the party...
-
Maria Owings Shriver
is an American journalist, author, member of the Kennedy family, former First Lady of California, and the founder of the nonprofit organization The Women's Alzheimer's Movement.
-
Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving as the 26th United States secretary of health and human
-
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963.
-
Hakeem Sekou Jeffries is an American lawyer and Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 8th congressional district in Brooklyn and Queens.
-
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney, lobbyist, and politician. A Republican, she served as the 37th Florida Attorney General from 2011 to 2019.
-
Joseph Patrick Kennedy III is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 4th congressional district since 2013.
-
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, commonly known as the Kennedy Center, is the national cultural center of the United States, located on the eastern bank of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Opened on September 8, 1971,...