Trump’s personally chosen board votes to rename the Kennedy Center, causing a political and legal uproar
The Kennedy family, Democrats, and historians all contest the validity of the Trump-backed board’s new name without congressional permission.
March 17, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump makes motions as he poses for a photo at the Kennedy Center’s presidential box in Washington, D.C. REUTERS/Barria Carlos
The renaming of Washington’s premier performing arts center the Trump Kennedy Center by a board appointed by President Donald Trump has provoked strong political opposition as well as legal problems.
Despite claims that only Congress has the power to rename the organization, the White House confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that the board had approved the name change.
In 1964, Congress named the center in honor of President John F. Kennedy after he was assassinated. According to former Senate historian Donald A. Ritchie, politicians would have to “amend the law” because Congress first designated the center.
Trump and others may “informally” refer to the location by a different name, but they couldn’t do so in a way “that would (legally) stick,” Ritchie continued.
The board promptly updated the center’s website’s branding to show the new name in spite of the criticism.
Democratic leader of the House Hakeem Jeffries stated that legislation was necessary. As an ex officio member of the board, the Democrat from New York stated that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the Kennedy Center.
The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts was chosen by the board unanimously, according to Roma Daravi, the center’s spokesman.
In her social media announcement of the vote, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt credited Trump with the “unbelievable work” he has done on the center since taking office again in January.
Republican Donald Trump, who is also the chairman of the board, expressed his honor at the ruling. “I was surprised and honored by the board, which is made up of the most distinguished individuals in the nation,” he stated at the White House.
Family members of the Kennedys are upset over the vote. Maria Shriver called the move “beyond wild” and “beyond comprehension,” adding that it is “not” appropriate. The renaming, according to her brother Tim Shriver, is a “insult to a great president.”
In general, Republicans applauded the ruling. Trump has “poured his heart and soul into refurbishing and revitalizing” the institution, according to Senator Lindsey Graham, who called it a “well deserved honor.”
The vote was criticized by board Democrats. When Representative Joyce Beatty attempted to voice her misgivings during the meeting, she was muted. She called the action “just another attempt to evade the law and not let the people have a say.”
Since taking office again, Trump has replaced Democratic-appointed board members with devoted loyalists. He has also criticized the center’s previous appearance and programming, promising significant changes.
Since Trump took over the center, several advisors and artists have quit, touring plays have canceled performances, and subscription sales have reportedly decreased, despite the fact that Congress has approved more than $250 million for repairs.
