Kennedy Center in U.S. to Be Renamed 'Trump-Kennedy Center'... NYT: "Authority to Change Name Rests with Congress"

The Kennedy Center, a landmark cultural and performing arts venue in Washington, D.C., is set to change its name to the 'Trump-Kennedy Center.' The decision, initiated by the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, which was completely reorganized under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump following the launch of his second term, is expected to face significant backlash.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced on her social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on the 18th (local time) that "the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, composed of the most successful individuals from various fields around the world, has unanimously voted to change the center's name to the Trump-Kennedy Center."

She emphasized that the name change was due to "the incredible achievements President Trump has made over the past year to save this building," adding, "This goes beyond a simple reconstruction-it's a major accomplishment in terms of both finances and reputation."

The Kennedy Center was established as a cultural and performing arts venue in honor of former President John F. Kennedy after he was assassinated in 1963. The U.S. Congress passed a bill to commemorate him, and then-President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law, solidifying the center's role as a tribute to President Kennedy.

This decision comes after President Trump reorganized the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees and assumed the role of chairman himself following the start of his second term. He has pursued these changes as part of what is often called a 'culture war' with progressive groups. The fact that the decision to change the Kennedy Center's name was made by a board appointed by President Trump is expected to further fuel controversy.

There is also an assessment that this move is part of a broader effort by President Trump to reshape public institutions across Washington, including the White House, to reflect his own political and cultural preferences.

The New York Times reported, "President Trump and his loyalists are moving to rename the Kennedy Center after Trump," adding, "It is generally understood that the authority to change the center's name rests with Congress." The report continued, "It remains unclear what impact this board decision will have, but legally, the official name 'John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' is not expected to change."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.