Kennedy Center Renamed Trump-Kennedy Center in Unanimous Vote

BREAKING NEWS: The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees has officially voted to rename the historic performing arts institution to the Trump-Kennedy Center, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The announcement came just moments ago, marking a significant shift in the center’s identity.

In a statement on X, Leavitt declared, “I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building.” The decision highlights President Trump’s influence and involvement following his return to the White House.

The renaming appears to be a direct result of Trump’s efforts to reshape the Kennedy Center’s leadership. He recently removed Democratic-appointed board members, replacing them with allies and administration officials. Notably, Richard Grenell, a former Trump administration official, has been appointed as the new president of the Kennedy Center. Leavitt confirmed that Trump had also been selected as the chairman of the board in a vote held in February 2024.

“This new name reflects the vision and dedication President Trump has brought to the Kennedy Center,” Leavitt emphasized, underscoring the administration’s commitment to revamping the center, including its decor and seating. Trump has previously committed to making “a lot of changes” to enhance the venue’s appeal.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, established by Congress as a national center for the arts, has been a living memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy since it opened in 1971. It honors significant achievements in music, theater, and dance annually through its honors ceremony.

This renaming comes at a time when the Kennedy Center is under scrutiny for its governance and mission. The law establishing the center restricts “additional memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials,” raising questions about the legality and implications of this change.

As reactions pour in from across the political spectrum, the impact of this decision on the center’s future remains to be seen. What will this mean for its programming, community engagement, and the broader arts landscape in Washington?

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and watch for reactions from artists and leaders in the performing arts community. The Trump-Kennedy Center is poised to become a focal point of national discussion as the implications of this renaming unfold.