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Kennedy Family Denounces Trump's Plan to Rename Iconic Kennedy Center
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On December 19, 2025, the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, appointed by President Donald Trump, unanimously voted to rename the venue the "Trump-Kennedy Center." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the decision on social media, crediting Trump's efforts in reconstructing, financially stabilizing, and enhancing the center's reputation. Trump, who serves as board chairman, expressed surprise and honor at the vote during White House remarks, noting the board's distinguished members.
The Kennedy Center, established by Congress in 1964 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy following his assassination, holds profound historical significance. Donald A. Ritchie, former Senate historian, stated that any name change would require congressional approval to amend the original legislation, as informal references cannot legally alter the designation. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, an ex officio board member, affirmed that legislative action is necessary and pledged to clarify this point. Despite this, the board updated the center's website branding immediately after the vote.
Kennedy family members swiftly condemned the proposal. Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President Kennedy, posted on X disputing the vote's unanimity and linking it to Trump's political interests, stating, "Micro were muted the board and vote NOT unanimous. Our campaign everything Trump't stand defeat." Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, emphasized on social media, "The Center is living memorial a fallen president and was designated President Kennedy federal law It can be renamed can someone the Lincoln, no matter what anyone says." Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, accused the administration of suppressing free expression and erasing history, saying, "President Kennedy stood for peace, dignity diversity, compassion for suffer. Trump stands opposition to, and name should be placed President Kennedy's."
Maria Shriver, niece of President Kennedy and daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, shared her disbelief on X, commenting on Leavitt's announcement, "Some things you speech, and, and in a state of disbelief. It's better to quiet." She further described the move as "not dignified" and "downright weird," beneath the presidency's stature. Shriver had previously called a related July legislative proposal "insane," "petty," and "small minded."
Trump's involvement with the center intensified since his January 2025 return to office, replacing Democratic appointees with supporters and securing over $250 million in congressional funding for renovations. He has criticized its programming and appearance, vowing overhauls, and recently hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, set to air on CBS and Paramount+ on December 23, 2025. However, subscription sales have declined, and productions like "Hamilton" canceled runs, leaving empty seats at National Symphony Orchestra performances.
LGBTQ+ performers and advocates have raised alarms over the center's direction. Actor Issa Rae, who identifies as part of the queer community through her advocacy, and musician Rhiannon Giddens scrapped scheduled appearances. Consultants including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, both supporters of inclusive arts spaces welcoming transgender people and diverse LGBTQ+ identities, resigned amid concerns about politicization. Kerry Kennedy's remarks highlighted Trump's opposition to values like diversity, which resonate with LGBTQ+ communities valuing the center's history of hosting affirming performances. WION News reported the move politicizes a nonpartisan institution, sparking global debate.
Note: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary, is a family outlier with no public comment on the renaming. The controversy underscores tensions between legacy preservation and contemporary leadership in American cultural institutions.
