The White House has announced that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will be renamed in honor of President Donald Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared this information via social media, stating that the change was unanimously approved by the board appointed by Trump.
Kennedy Center Renamed in Trump’s Honor
Leavitt praised the decision, suggesting that it reflects President Trump’s significant contributions to the arts center’s renovation and financial recovery over the past year. However, it remains uncertain if the name change can proceed without congressional approval.
History of the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, located in Washington, D.C., was inaugurated in 1971 and features the Washington National Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra. Groundbreaking took place in 1964, a year after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. The center was originally proposed as the “National Cultural Center” but was officially dedicated to Kennedy after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act naming it in 1965.
Controversial Changes Under Trump
Since taking office, President Trump has pursued several significant changes in Washington, including the renaming of various structures. His administration recently renamed the U.S. Institute for Peace in his honor, which sparked legal challenges over its acquisition.
Following Trump’s inauguration, the president of the Kennedy Center, Deborah Rutter, resigned amid claims of pressure to conform to Trump’s vision for the institution. Shortly thereafter, Trump announced a reshaping of the Kennedy Center’s board, stating that previous members opposed his cultural and artistic objectives.
Public Response and Legislative Proposals
Trump has consistently called for the Kennedy Center to be renamed in his honor, referring to it as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” Several Republican representatives have introduced bills to forge a deeper connection between Trump and the arts center, with some suggesting the renaming of individual venues within the complex.
- Representative Mike Simpson, Idaho: Proposed naming the opera house after Melania Trump.
- Representative Bob Onder, Missouri: Suggested the name “Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts.”
These proposals have faced backlash from Kennedy family members and critics. Maria Shriver, niece of John F. Kennedy, expressed her outrage over the potential renaming. She labeled the consideration as “insane” and stated it caused her “blood to boil.”
Jack Schlossberg, Kennedy’s grandson, questioned the legitimacy of the board’s vote, suggesting that it wasn’t unanimous, while Democrats expressed concern over the legality of the name change, citing the congressional act that established the center’s original designation.
Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee denounced the initiative, asserting that it undermines the purpose of the Kennedy Center, which is intended to be a cultural home for all Americans and a lasting tribute to President Kennedy.
