The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts now bears a new name: the Trump-Kennedy Center. This change was made public on December 19, 2025, in Washington, with new signage unveiling the updated title: The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed the news on social media, stating that the center’s board unanimously voted for the change due to President Trump’s recent work in preserving the building. The center’s website has already reflected this change, and new signage appeared on the building shortly after the announcement.
However, Ohio Democrat Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, contested the unanimity of the vote, claiming on social media that she was muted each time she attempted to voice a concern during discussions. In response, Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, issued a statement confirming the vote was indeed unanimous, indicating bipartisan support.
Other Democratic leaders, including Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, challenged the legitimacy of the renaming. They asserted that federal law defined the center as a memorial to Kennedy, disallowing any name change without Congressional approval.
Earlier in the year, Trump positioned himself as the chairman of the Kennedy Center, dismissing former president Deborah Rutter and the previous board chair. He appointed new members, including figures like Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, and Laura Ingraham.
Trump previously hinted at this name change, during a Q&A event before becoming the first president to host the Kennedy Center Honors. Though refraining from direct comments on renaming, he mentioned activities to save the center.
The president’s engagement with the Kennedy Center increased notably during his second term. He implemented his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” allocating $257 million for maintenance and repairs. Initially, the establishment was referred to as The National Cultural Center. After President Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon Johnson authorized funding in 1964 to erect what became the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
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