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Kennedy Center Board Votes to Add Trump's Name to Institution

2025-12-19

The BareStory

The Board of Trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted on Thursday to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy Center." The White House announced the decision, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating the board voted to recognize President Donald Trump’s work in saving the building. Following the announcement, the center’s website was updated to reflect the new name, and on Friday, workers were seen altering the signage on the building's facade.

According to the White House, the board's vote was unanimous. This was disputed by Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democratic board member, who alleged she was muted during the call and not permitted to speak in opposition. Beatty also claimed the issue was not on the meeting's agenda. President Trump told reporters he was "honored" and "surprised" by the vote, stating that his administration saved the building.

The decision has drawn criticism. According to one summary, Maria Shriver, a niece of President Kennedy, called the action unacceptable. Another summary detailed a statement from Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats on the board, who accused the president of attempting to affix his name to a public institution without legal authority and described the process as "corrupt."

The Kennedy Center was established by an act of Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and a name change may require new legislation. The vote follows President Trump’s appointment of his allies to the board and his selection as its chairman in February. While the White House said the renaming was due to Trump saving the center from financial ruin, one summary noted that other reports indicated sharp declines in ticket sales and staffing this year.

Left Perspective

  • The renaming recognizes President Trump's work in saving the institution.
  • The decision was reached through an official board vote.
  • The president was honored by the board's decision.

Right Perspective

  • Opponents allege the board's process was illegitimate and corrupt.
  • The name change is viewed as potentially illegal and an overreach of authority.
  • The action is considered an unacceptable change to a public memorial.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• A legal or legislative conflict may arise, as opponents argue an act of Congress is needed to rename the federally established institution.

• The public will see a new name on the prominent Washington D.C. performing arts center, as signage is already being updated.

• The center's programming and financial health could be impacted, with some reports noting recent declines in ticket sales and staffing.

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