In a move stirring controversy across the nation, US President Donald Trump has officially renamed Washington’s iconic Kennedy Center after himself. Following a board vote, the institution will now be known as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the family of President John F. Kennedy.
Trump, who personally appointed several new board members earlier this year, assumed the role of chairman at the US national cultural center. The move is seen by many as part of his broader effort to reshape institutions he considers too “woke.”
The Kennedy family reacted swiftly. Maria Shriver, JFK’s niece, voiced her concern on X, calling the decision “beyond wild” and urging Americans to recognize what she described as a troubling precedent. Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III also condemned the renaming, emphasizing that the center is a “living memorial” to his great-uncle and should not be renamed any more than the Lincoln Memorial could be.
The Kennedy Center, a striking white-marble landmark along the Potomac River, was inaugurated in 1971 and officially named in honor of President Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Its full designation, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is codified in federal law, making the renaming a controversial and potentially legally questionable action.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, noting that the board had “voted unanimously” in favor of honoring Trump’s contributions, particularly his efforts in “saving the building.” She added, “Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!”
Democratic lawmakers, however, have disputed the claim of unanimous support. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio representative who maintains a seat on the board through congressional mandate, stated she was “muted on the call,” suggesting that not all voices were in agreement.
This renaming follows a pattern of high-profile initiatives by Trump, including the creation of a $400-million White House ballroom and a new triumphal arch. The president has also branded visas, bank accounts, and other honors after himself while making sweeping changes at the Kennedy Center, from removing Democratic appointees to reshaping the board with loyal allies.
For many Americans, the renaming is more than a bureaucratic change—it is a symbol of the ongoing tensions between tradition, legacy, and the modern political landscape. While the Trump-Kennedy Center will carry the president’s name, the question of whether it should be considered a permanent tribute continues to ignite debate.
