Washington. Workers began adding Donald Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this Friday, following a vote by the center’s board—which is headed by the U.S. president—to change the name. The move has been labeled illegal by Democratic opposition and denounced by the Kennedy family as a diminishment of the legacy of the assassinated president.
Name Change Approved Amidst Controversy
The board, comprised of allies of President Trump, voted on Thursday to rename the Washington, D.C. arts center “Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” or “Trump Kennedy Center” for short.
Democrats have stated the measure is illegal and requires Congressional authorization. Members of the Kennedy family also opposed the change to a building honoring the 35th president, who was assassinated in 1963.
President Trump, a Republican, stated on Thursday he was surprised by the board’s decision, which he leads. Supporters of the name change cite Trump’s strengthening of the institution through fundraising and a focus on building renovations.
Criticism from Kennedy Family
Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Center for Human Rights, posted on X: “The President Trump and his administration have spent the last year suppressing free speech, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians, and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions improved and made our country more just.”
Maria Shriver, niece of the assassinated president, posted on X: “It’s inconceivable to me that anyone would think adding his name to President Kennedy’s is acceptable. It isn’t.”
The swiftness of the physical change suggests preparations for the new name were underway prior to Thursday’s vote. The center’s website now also displays the name “The Trump Kennedy Center.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the name change legal?
According to statements made by Democratic opposition, the name change is considered illegal and would require authorization from the U.S. Congress.
Who opposed the name change?
Members of the Kennedy family, including Kerry Kennedy and Maria Shriver, publicly opposed the name change.
What reasons were given in support of the name change?
Supporters of the change state that President Trump has strengthened the institution through fundraising and a focus on building renovations.
What impact this decision will have on the Kennedy Center’s future, and how it will be received by the artistic community, remains to be seen.
