Trump-Appointed Board Votes to Add Trump Name to Kennedy Center
WASHINGTON — December 18, 2025 — The board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously this week to refer to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” according to a statement shared by the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the decision Thursday on X, saying the board approved the change in recognition of President Donald Trump’s role in what she described as “saving the building” through reconstruction efforts, financial support, and improvements to its reputation.
President Trump, who serves as chair of the Kennedy Center board and has appointed many current trustees, confirmed the vote when asked by reporters. He said he was “honored” and “surprised,” calling the board “very distinguished.”
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.
However, the move does not change the institution’s legal name, which remains the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The center was established by Congress in 1964 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and legal experts note that a formal name change would likely require congressional approval.
As of Thursday, the Kennedy Center’s official website and recent press materials continue to use its original name.
The decision sparked immediate and polarized reactions online. Supporters praised the board’s vote as recognition of Trump’s contributions to the institution, while critics condemned the move as inappropriate and politically motivated, arguing it diminishes the center’s historical purpose as a national memorial.
The Kennedy Center itself has not issued a standalone press release addressing whether the “Trump-Kennedy Center” designation will be used in official branding or programming.
Follow The Coffman Chronicle on NewsBreak for daily breaking political coverage.