Kennedy Center Controversy: The Battle Over Trump’s Name
In an unprecedented move that has stunned Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center now bears a new addition: “The Donald J. Trump and” has been placed in front of its historic title, transforming it into
“The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The change, executed on December 19, 2025, followed a contentious board vote—but questions about legality and authority have quickly overshadowed the announcement.
Kennedy Family Speaks Out
The Kennedy family has responded with immediate and passionate opposition. Kerry Kennedy, niece of President John F. Kennedy, vowed publicly to remove the letters herself if necessary. In a social media post that mixed outrage with humor, she wrote that she would grab a pickax to restore the original name. Her cousin, journalist Maria Shriver, called the decision disrespectful and warned that no modern president should feel entitled to override a memorial established to honor JFK’s legacy.
Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, emphasized that federal law protects the center’s name. A 1983 statute prohibits adding plaques or memorials without Congressional approval, making the signage change highly controversial from a legal standpoint.
The Board Vote and Disputed Authority
While White House officials and board supporters describe the vote as unanimous, some board members dispute this.
Representative Joyce Beatty claimed she was muted during the session and unable to register her objection, calling into question whether proper procedure was followed. The move has sparked a broader debate over whether a board—rather than Congress—has the authority to alter the designation of a federal memorial.
Legal and Public Implications
The Kennedy Center was established by Congress in 1964 as a living memorial to JFK, celebrating his support for the arts. Any official renaming, according to federal law, would require Congressional approval. Legal experts predict that lawsuits or legislative action may ultimately be necessary to determine whether the Trump name can remain.
Public reaction has been swift and intense. Critics argue the move politicizes a cultural institution and undermines the memory of JFK, while some supporters contend that Trump’s financial and operational contributions to the center merit recognition.
What Comes Next
For now, the signage has been physically altered, but the battle over its permanence is far from settled. With the Kennedy family mobilized and federal law on their side, the question remains: will the Trump name stay, or will history ultimately be restored?
Conclusion
The controversy at the Kennedy Center highlights the tension between historical legacy and contemporary influence.
While one administration may seek to leave its mark, federal protections and family advocacy serve as a reminder that some institutions exist above politics, preserving the memory of the past for future generations.