The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has undergone a significant name change. It will now be known as the ‘Trump-Kennedy Center’ following President Donald Trump’s decision to add his name. On Friday, December 19, 2025, new signage reflecting this change was unveiled in Washington.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on social media that the center’s board voted unanimously for the name change, attributing it to President Trump’s efforts in preserving the building over the last year. The center’s website has already been updated to reflect the new name.
However, controversy has arisen from this decision. Ohio Democrat Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, disputed the unanimity of the vote. She claimed in a video that she was repeatedly muted when trying to voice her concerns during meetings. Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, maintained that the vote was indeed unanimous, emphasizing bipartisan support for the cultural institution.
Other Democratic Congress members, like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, issued statements arguing the name change lacks legal authority. They pointed out that federal law requires congressional action to alter the name of a memorial established for President Kennedy.
Earlier this year, Trump made significant moves at the Kennedy Center. He appointed himself as chairman, replacing Deborah Rutter and David Rubenstein, alongside other board members appointed by President Biden. The new board includes figures like second lady Usha Vance and Fox News host Laura Ingraham.
President Trump hinted at this renaming during a Q&A session before becoming the first president to host the Kennedy Center Honors. Although he remained vague about the name change, referring decisions to the board, he expressed a commitment to saving the Kennedy Center.
Historically, the Kennedy Center was established as the National Cultural Center. In 1964, following President Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon Johnson approved funds to construct what would be formally recognized as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ recently allocated $257 million for repairs and maintenance, highlighting his renewed focus on the center during his second term.
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