In a headline‑grabbing move, the Kennedy Center’s board added President Donald Trump’s name to the venue, sparking immediate backlash from lawmakers and Kennedy family members.
The decision came after the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 19, 2025 to rename the facility “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The board described the vote as unanimous, a claim that would later be contested.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, D‑Ohio, an ex‑officio member of the board, publicly disputed the unanimity. “For the record. This was not unanimous. I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move,” she posted on X.
Workers began the physical change on Friday, installing new letters above the existing sign. Blue tarps covered an exterior wall, hiding crews as they added Trump’s name to the building’s façade.
Photographs and video footage captured the newly added lettering, showing the name “Donald Trump” prominently displayed alongside the Kennedy name. The visual change was completed in a matter of hours, illustrating the rapid pace of the update.
The Kennedy Center’s website was updated the same day, with a new logo reading “The Trump Kennedy Center.” The change was reflected across all digital platforms, reinforcing the new branding.
Trump responded to the board’s vote with a statement of appreciation. “Well, I was honored,” Trump said. “The board is a very distinguished board. Most distinguished people in the country.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the name change acknowledges Trump’s contributions to the institution. “The sought name change recognizes Trump’s work to improve the institution,” Leavitt said.
Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi confirmed the board’s decision and reiterated that the vote was unanimous. Her statement aligned with the board’s official record.
Maria Shriver, President Kennedy’s niece, criticized the move on X, labeling it “downright weird.” She added that the family would be mortified by the change.
Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson and a candidate for a New York congressional seat, echoed the family’s concerns. “My grandparents would be mortified, and rightfully so,” he said.
Former Rep. Joseph Kennedy III, a grandnephew of the former president, emphasized the legal and symbolic weight of the Kennedy name. “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,” he told NBC News.
Legal experts warned that renaming the Kennedy Center could face significant hurdles. In July, experts told NBC News that Republican lawmakers had introduced proposals to rename the center in honor of either the president or the first lady, but the process would require Congressional action.
The Kennedy Center’s original charter, established during the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson administrations, explicitly prohibited renaming the building. To change the name now, an act of Congress would be necessary.
The Senate would need to secure 60 votes to pass the required legislation, a threshold that remains uncertain. The current political climate makes the passage of such a measure unlikely.
The renaming effort is part of a broader pattern of changes initiated by Trump during his second term. Within a month of his re‑election, he began reshaping the Kennedy Center’s leadership.
Trump removed the institution’s existing leadership, citing the need for new direction. He then appointed board members aligned with his political views.
The new board composition reflected a shift toward Trump supporters, consolidating his influence over the center’s governance.
In a public announcement, Trump declared that he had been elected chair of the Kennedy Center’s board, solidifying his control over the organization.
Key Takeaways
- The Kennedy Center’s board added Donald Trump’s name, a move contested by Rep. Joyce Beatty.
- The change requires Congressional approval, facing legal and political obstacles.
- Trump’s actions at the center reflect a broader strategy of reshaping federal cultural institutions.
The renaming controversy underscores the tensions between presidential influence and the enduring legacy of national memorials. As the debate continues, the legal and political challenges remain central to the outcome.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
With over 7 years of experience in digital media, I specialize in reporting on breaking news, local culture, community affairs, and impactful events shaping the City of Angels. My passion lies in telling stories that matter — stories that inform, engage, and empower readers.
At newsoflosangeles.com, I focus on delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely content while keeping our audience at the heart of every story. Whether it’s the latest city developments, cultural highlights, or human-interest stories, I aim to bring clarity, context, and credibility to every piece I publish.
When I’m not reporting, you’ll likely find me exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, meeting locals, and discovering new stories worth telling.
Stay connected, stay informed — and thanks for being part of our community at newsoflosangeles.com.
