In a move that has stirred controversy and drawn sharp criticism, US President Donald Trump has officially renamed Washington’s iconic Kennedy Center after himself. Following a vote by the institution’s board, the national cultural hub is now known as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
Trump, who earlier this year handpicked new board members, also installed himself as chairman of the prestigious arts venue. The decision comes amid his broader push against institutions he has labeled as “too woke.”
The renaming has provoked immediate backlash from the family of the late President John F. Kennedy, in whose honor the center was originally named. They argue that changing the name without congressional approval is inappropriate and legally questionable.
“Can we not see what is happening here? C’mon, my fellow Americans! Wake up!” JFK’s niece, Maria Shriver, wrote on X, describing Trump’s move as “beyond wild.”
Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III also expressed dismay, saying the Kennedy Center is “a living memorial” to his great-uncle and “can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
Opened in 1971 on the banks of the Potomac River, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was established by Congress in 1958 and renamed after Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. Its federal statute name underscores the significance of its historical dedication.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, claiming that the board “voted unanimously” to honor Trump’s contributions over the past year 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!”
However, Democrats disputed the notion of unanimity. Ohio lawmaker Joyce Beatty, who maintains a board seat by congressional mandate, stated she was “muted on the call,” challenging claims of a consensus.
Trump had previously hinted at the renaming, joking earlier this month about a “big event at the Trump-Kennedy Center… whoops, excuse me, at the Kennedy Center… Pardon me, such a terrible mistake.”
This renaming is part of a broader pattern of high-profile initiatives under Trump’s leadership, including a $400-million White House ballroom, a new triumphal arch, and branding new visas, bank accounts, and honors after himself. He has also reshaped the Kennedy Center by removing Democratic appointees, ousting its president, and filling the board with loyal allies.
For many, the renaming is not just a political statement—it is a deeply personal issue for a family and a nation that holds the legacy of John F. Kennedy close to its heart. While the move may appeal to Trump supporters, it has ignited widespread debate over tradition, memory, and the boundaries of presidential authority.
