President Trump’s Name Added to Kennedy Center

The name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been officially changed to the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” This change, announced by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on social media, was reportedly approved unanimously by the center’s board due to President Trump’s efforts in preserving the building.

New signage was unveiled on December 19, 2025, in Washington, reflecting the updated name. The center’s website has also been updated to reflect the change. However, there is contention regarding the decision process. Ohio Democrat Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, disputed the claim of a unanimous vote. She stated that during the meetings, she was muted and could not voice concerns.

Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, emphasized in a statement that the vote was indeed unanimous, describing the change as a reflection of bipartisan support for America’s cultural center.

Despite this, other Democratic members of Congress, such as Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, argued that the renaming was executed “without legal authority.” They pointed out that federal law requires any name change to be approved by Congressional action.

Earlier in the year, President Trump replaced former Kennedy Center president Deborah Rutter and board chair David Rubenstein, installing himself as chairman and appointing a new board. Notable new members include second lady Usha Vance and Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

President Trump first hinted at the renaming during a session with the press before hosting the Kennedy Center Honors. While previously hands-off, he has now expressed a keen interest in the center, inspecting it and indicating plans to modify programming. His advocacy included a “One Big Beautiful Bill” allocating $257 million for repairs and upkeep.

The Kennedy Center was originally known as The National Cultural Center. In 1964, following President Kennedy’s assassination, legislation signed by President Lyndon Johnson funded the creation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.