Kennedy Center to be renamed Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says

December 18, 2025

The Kennedy Center's board has voted to rename the historic Washington DC performing arts venue the Trump-Kennedy Center, though this decision faces significant controversy and legal questions. After taking office, President Trump dismissed the entire original board and appointed political allies who then elected him as chairman, with these same appointees voting for the name change that at least one member claims wasn't actually unanimous. While the White House announced the renaming as complete, legal experts note that Congress must approve such changes since the original name was established by a 1964 law, though this may not prevent unofficial name changes on signage and materials.

Who is affected

President John F. Kennedy's legacy and the Kennedy family
Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty (board member who was muted and couldn't voice opposition)
The original Kennedy Center board members who were fired
Washington DC residents where the center is an iconic landmark
Kennedy Center patrons (experiencing declining ticket sales and performances)
Congressional members who must vote on the legal name change
Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Second Lady Usha Vance, and other administration officials now serving on the board
Richard Grenell (board president)
Artists and performers who were rejected as "wokesters" for Kennedy Center honors
Sylvester Stallone and KISS members (selected as this year's honorees)

What action is being taken

The Trump-appointed board is voting to rename the center the Trump-Kennedy Center
Trump is serving as chairman of the board
Major renovations are being conducted with $257 million in congressional funding
The center is hosting events like the FIFA World Cup draw
Trump is actively selecting Kennedy Center honorees (stating he is "98% involved")
Ticket sales and subscriptions are dropping off

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a significant departure from decades of tradition honoring a assassinated president through a national cultural institution established by Congress. The renaming raises serious constitutional questions about executive overreach, as the original name was mandated by federal law in 1964, yet the president has circumvented this by replacing the entire board with political allies who then voted for the change. Beyond legal concerns, the situation exemplifies broader tensions about political interference in arts and culture, with declining ticket sales suggesting public backlash, while the controversial move may set precedent for how presidential administrations can reshape federally-established institutions through board appointments.

What's next

A congressional vote is required to officially approve the name change since the original name was established by the 1964 law. A spending bill introduced this summer includes a measure to name the center's opera venue the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House, but this bill has not yet come up for a vote.

Read full article from source: BBC