Kennedy Center Honors Trump with Building Name Addition
President Trump’s name has now been added to the exterior of the Kennedy Center, marking a significant change. This decision followed a vote by the board of trustees to rename the institution.
Kennedy Center Renamed After Trump
On December 19, 2025, large letters featuring “Trump” were installed above “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” This decision drew immediate backlash from Democratic leaders and members of the Kennedy family.
Board Decision and Historical Context
The board of trustees, many of whom were appointed by Trump, voted to rename the institution to “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Such a change is highly controversial due to the deep historical roots of the center.
- Originally founded as the National Cultural Center
- Renamed to honor John F. Kennedy after his assassination
- Founded following a Congressional act in 1958, with doors opening in 1971
Legal Implications of the Name Change
Changing the name of the Kennedy Center would likely require an act of Congress. Current laws restrict modifications to memorials within the center’s public spaces.
Specifically, a law states: “The Board shall assure that after December 2, 1983, no additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials shall be designated or installed in the public areas of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.” There are exceptions for gifts from foreign nations and acknowledgments of significant cultural contributions.
This move is not just a simple renaming; it touches on the delicate balance of honoring a legacy while integrating contemporary political figures. The implications for the Kennedy Center, a symbol of American arts and culture, are profound and may spark ongoing debates.
