The board of the Kennedy Center has voted unanimously to rename the institution the Trump–Kennedy Center, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
In a post on X, Leavitt said “some of the most successful people from all parts of the world” supported the change, crediting Trump with helping “save” the building through its reconstruction, finances, and reputation.
“Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation,” she wrote. “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.”
Why It Matters
Trump appointed the board of the performing arts center earlier this year after criticizing past performances and programs as too left-leaning or anti-American. Since then, the venue has faced backlash and declining attendance, with critics arguing that a president should not be able to shape programming based on political preference.
What to Know
Board members appointed by the president who participated in the vote reportedly include Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and second lady Usha Vance. Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty, who also sits on the board, disputed the “unanimous” claim, saying she was muted during the call and blocked from speaking.
The change also fits into a broader effort by Trump to imprint his name on Washington, D.C. In early December, his name was added to the U.S. Institute of Peace, and he has signaled interest in modifying the White House and parts of the National Mall.
Trump has repeatedly referred to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts—named for a Democratic predecessor—as the “Trump Kennedy Center.”
When asked on December 7, while attending the Kennedy Center Honors red carpet, whether he would rename the venue after himself, Trump said the decision would be up to the board.
Earlier this month, he mentioned a “big event on Friday at the Trump Kennedy Center,” then corrected himself—“excuse me, at the Kennedy Center”—prompting laughter from the audience. He was referring to the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, in which he participated.
It remains unclear whether Trump or the board has the authority to rename the building. The venue was commissioned by Congress as a memorial to Kennedy after his assassination, and the rules outlining what the board can and cannot do do not appear to address renaming.
What People Are Saying
Ohio Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, on X: “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.”
Former Representative Joe Kennedy III, on X: The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. He argued it “can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
Journalist Maria Shriver, on X: She said the news left her “speechless,” “enraged,” and “in a state of disbelief,” adding that at moments like that it may be best to stay quiet—though she wasn’t sure for how long.
What’s Next
Several Democrats and commentators have called for Trump-era changes at the Kennedy Center—and other moves affecting Washington, D.C.—to be reversed after he leaves office in 2029.
