Hook paragraph\n\n## The Announcement\n\nWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that the Kennedy Center would be renamed the Trump‑Kennedy Center. She said the change acknowledges President Donald Trump’s work to improve the institution.\n\nLeavitt posted on X: \”I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump‑Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,\” Leavitt said in a post on X.\n\nShe added: \”Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation. Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.\”\n\nThe original John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was named by Congress. A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News.\n\n## Legal and Legislative Hurdles\n\nEfforts to rename the Kennedy Center could run into legal hurdles, experts told NBC News in July, after Republican lawmakers introduced several proposals in Congress to rename the center in honor of the president or the first lady. The original laws that guided the creation of the Kennedy Center during the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson administrations specifically prohibited the renaming of the building. It would take an act of Congress to change that now.\n\nAfter GOP Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho earlier this year first introduced the amendment to legislation that would rename the building after first lady Melania Trump, he said that she had not been aware of his efforts prior to his public introduction of the amendment.\n\n## Trump’s Public Comments\n\nTrump recently spoke about the \”Trump Kennedy Center.\” Asked on Dec. 7 as he walked the red carpet for the Kennedy Center Honors program whether he would rename the venue after himself, Trump said such a decision would be up to the board.\n\nEarlier this month, Trump talked about a \”big event on Friday at the Trump Kennedy Center\” before saying, \”excuse me, at the Kennedy Center,\” as his audience laughed. He was referring to the FIFA World Cup soccer draw for 2026, in which he participated.\n\n## Board Actions and Leadership Changes\n\nA shift at the Kennedy Center began quickly after Trump’s return to Washington in late January. Within a month, he ousted the institution’s leadership, filled the board of trustees with his supporters and announced he had been elected the board’s chair.\n\nTrump and his aides criticized the Kennedy Center’s programming as \”woke\” and accused the previous leadership of financial mismanagement and neglecting the building. Some renovations have been underway, including using white paint over columns that were previously gold.\n\nDeborah Rutter, who was fired as the Kennedy Center’s president, said in a May statement that allegations of poor financial management were \”false\” and insisted that when she left, \”the Kennedy Center was fiscally sound.\”\n\n## Reactions from Artists and the Public\n\nBut the fallout has been intense with prominent musicians such as \”Hamilton\” canceling performances. Actor Issa Rae and author Louise Penny also withdrew from appearances while consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Some artists have expressed a sense of sadness at the changes.\n\n\”It was always a joy to be asked to perform at the Kennedy Center,\” Jane Alexander, an actor and former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, told The Associated Press.\n\nMaria Shriver, a niece of John F. Kennedy, referred to the legislation introduced in Congress to rebrand the Kennedy Center as the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts as \”insane\” in a social media post in July. She wrote: \”It makes my blood boil. It’s so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded. Truly, what is this about? It’s always about something. ‘Let’s get rid of the Rose Garden. Let’s rename the Kennedy Center.’ What’s next?\”\n\nTrump earlier this year turned the Kennedy-era Rose Garden at the White House into a patio by removing the lawn and laying down paving stones.\n\n## Key Takeaways\n\n- The Kennedy Center will be renamed the Trump‑Kennedy Center after a unanimous board vote.\n- Legal hurdles exist because the original laws prohibit renaming; an act of Congress would be required.\n- The change follows a rapid overhaul of leadership, board composition, and public criticism of the center’s programming.\n\nThe renaming announcement has sparked strong reactions from lawmakers, the Kennedy family, artists, and the public, highlighting the deep divisions over the future of Washington’s cultural landmark.
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.
