In a move that shocked the arts community, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been renamed the Trump‑Kennedy Center, according to a statement posted on X by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on December 18, 2025.
Board Decision and Press Release
Leavitt wrote 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.” She added that the change recognises “not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation.”
She congratulated President Donald J. Trump and President Kennedy, stating, “because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.”
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News, leaving the institution’s internal perspective unclear.
Legal Hurdles and Congressional Action
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. An act of Congress would be required to change that designation now.
Experts told NBC News in July that efforts to rename the center could run into legal hurdles after Republican lawmakers introduced several proposals in Congress to rename the center in honor of the president or the first lady.
In early 2025, GOP Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho first introduced an amendment to rename the building after first lady Melania Trump. He said she had not been aware of his efforts prior to his public introduction of the amendment.
The amendment was part of a broader push by Republican lawmakers to rebrand the Kennedy Center, a move that has drawn criticism from many quarters.
Trump’s Comments and Public Statements
On December 7, 2025, while walking the red carpet for the Kennedy Center Honors program, President Trump was asked whether he would rename the venue after himself. He said such a decision would be up to the board.
Earlier that 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.
Trump’s remarks have been interpreted by some as an endorsement of the renaming, while others view them as a casual reference.
Family Reactions
Maria 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,” adding, “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?”
The statement highlighted a growing sense of discomfort among Kennedy family members about the proposed renaming.
Renovations and Board Changes
In his second term, Trump quickly changed the Kennedy Center’s leadership. 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.
Trump 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.
Deborah 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.”
The board’s swift overhaul has led to a sharp decline in artistic engagement.
Artist Withdrawals and Public Outcry
Prominent musical “Hamilton” canceled performances following the board’s restructuring. 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 expressed a sense of sadness at the changes. Jane Alexander, an actor and former chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, told The Associated Press, “It was always a joy to be asked to perform at the Kennedy Center.”
The cancellations and resignations have sparked debate over the artistic direction of the venue.
Public Spaces and Other Projects
Trump 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. This action was cited as an example of his approach to public spaces.
The renaming of the Kennedy Center is seen by some as part of a broader trend of repurposing historic sites to reflect current political figures.
Critics argue that such changes erode the legacy of the original namesakes and alter the cultural significance of the institutions.
Legal and Political Implications
The proposed renaming would require a new piece of legislation that overrides the original statutes passed during the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson administrations. This legal barrier has been a significant point of contention.
The Senate and House committees that oversee cultural and historic preservation have not yet taken a definitive stance on the proposed bill.
Opponents argue that the renaming would set a precedent for future alterations of historic landmarks based on political agendas.
Supporters claim that the new name reflects the president’s contributions to the building’s restoration and financial stability.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of the latest reports, the board’s unanimous vote has been publicly announced, but the act of Congress needed to formalize the name change has not yet been introduced or passed. The Kennedy Center’s spokesperson remains unresponsive.
The debate continues in both political and artistic circles, with many calling for a return to the original name or a compromise that preserves the legacy of both figures.
The renaming is a flashpoint that illustrates the intersection of politics, culture, and historic preservation in contemporary America.
Key Takeaways
- The Kennedy Center has been renamed the Trump‑Kennedy Center after a unanimous board vote announced by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
- The change requires a new act of Congress, as original statutes prohibit renaming the building.
- The renaming has sparked backlash from the Kennedy family, artists, and critics, while supporters highlight President Trump’s restoration efforts.
The controversy underscores the complex relationship between political power and cultural institutions, and the future of the center will depend on legislative action and public sentiment.
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