‘Trump-Kennedy Center’: Board Formally Renames Washington Arts Venue/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump’s appointed board has voted to rename the Kennedy Center as the Trump-Kennedy Center, citing his role in saving the venue’s finances and infrastructure. The decision comes amid Trump’s broader push to brand key Washington institutions. The White House celebrated the move as a tribute to both Trump and former President John F. Kennedy.
Trump-Kennedy Center Renaming Quick Looks
- Board appointed by President Trump votes to rename the Kennedy Center.
- New name: Trump-Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
- White House cites Trump’s financial and structural contributions.
- Press Secretary Leavitt calls the move a “historic tribute.”
- Trump previously joked about renaming the venue during public events.
- Renaming is part of Trump’s larger effort to reshape Washington’s landmarks.
- The original name honored President John F. Kennedy since 1971.
- Trump now shares naming rights with a Democratic predecessor.
Trump-Kennedy Center: Board Renames Washington Arts Venue
Deep Look
The iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a staple of American culture in Washington, D.C., will now bear a new name: the Trump-Kennedy Center. The change was unanimously approved on Thursday by a board comprised of members selected by President Donald Trump, according to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement on social media, crediting the decision to what she described as President Trump’s extraordinary efforts to revitalize and restore the cultural venue. “Unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building. Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation,” Leavitt wrote in her post.
Trump, a Republican, has frequently referred to the Kennedy Center with his own name added, dubbing it the “Trump Kennedy Center” in casual remarks. The venue, long named solely after Democratic President John F. Kennedy since its opening in 1971, will now formally reflect the branding of both political figures.
This development aligns with Trump’s broader campaign to reshape the capital’s institutions with his name and influence. From floating proposals to rename federal buildings to discussions about naming rights for the future Washington Commanders football stadium, Trump has made clear his desire to leave a lasting physical mark on the city’s landmarks.
The idea of renaming the center was first teased earlier this month when Trump, attending the annual Kennedy Center Honors on December 7, was asked whether he would pursue putting his name on the prestigious venue. He responded that such a decision would ultimately be up to the board.
Earlier, during a public event promoting the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, Trump jokingly referred to the “Trump Kennedy Center” before correcting himself, drawing laughter from the audience. That moment now seems like foreshadowing.
Following the renaming, Leavitt congratulated both Trump and the late President Kennedy, stating, “Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!”
This marks the latest in a series of high-profile rebranding moves by the Trump administration during his nonconsecutive term. Earlier this month, his name was added to the U.S. Institute of Peace, another institution long considered politically neutral. Such decisions have drawn mixed reactions—supporters see them as deserved recognition of Trump’s leadership and accomplishments, while critics view them as overreach and politicization of historic venues.
The Kennedy Center, since its establishment, has served as the nation’s official living memorial to John F. Kennedy and has hosted decades of musical, theatrical, and artistic performances, as well as the annual Kennedy Center Honors, which recognizes contributions to American culture.
While no structural or programmatic changes were announced alongside the renaming, the symbolic shift is significant. By merging his name with that of one of America’s most iconic Democratic leaders, Trump has once again inserted himself into the fabric of American institutional identity.
For many observers, the renaming of the Kennedy Center represents both a political and cultural moment—one in which the legacy of a performing arts institution becomes a reflection of shifting power dynamics in Washington.
Whether future administrations will uphold the Trump-Kennedy designation or attempt to reverse it remains to be seen. For now, the White House views it as a lasting tribute to two very different but historically influential American presidents.
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