The White House has confirmed that one of Washington's most prominent cultural institutions, the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, will be renamed. A board handpicked by President Donald Trump voted to change its title to the Trump-Kennedy Centre.
Board Decision and Presidential Influence
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the decision on Thursday, 18 December 2025, via social media. She credited the move to the "unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building", citing financial, reputational, and reconstruction efforts. President Trump, who now chairs the centre's board after replacing members appointed by Democratic presidents, has frequently referred to the venue by the new hybrid name.
The question of a formal rename was put to Trump himself on 7 December as he attended the Kennedy Centre Honours red carpet. He stated then that any such decision would be a matter for the board. Earlier this month, he notably slipped during a speech, mentioning a "big event on Friday at the Trump Kennedy Centre" before correcting himself, which drew laughter from the audience. He was referring to the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw.
Kennedy Family Backlash and Historical Context
The proposed change has already sparked significant controversy, particularly among the family of the centre's original namesake. Maria Shriver, a niece of President John F. Kennedy, labelled previous legislative attempts to rename the centre after Trump as "insane" in a July social media post. "It makes my blood boil. It’s so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded," she wrote.
This follows another alteration made by Trump to a Kennedy-era landmark: the White House Rose Garden was converted into a patio with paving stones replacing the lawn. Notably, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the Kennedy family, currently serves as Secretary of Health and Human Services in Trump's Cabinet.
Trump's Renewed Engagement and Funding
During his first term, President Trump showed little interest in the Kennedy Centre, but his approach changed markedly after returning to office in January. Alongside overhauling the board, he has been critical of the centre's programming and physical state, pledging a comprehensive overhaul.
His administration has secured substantial funding for the venue, with over $250 million allocated from the Republican-controlled Congress for renovations. Trump has also taken a more active public role, attending the opening night of "Les Misérables" and hosting the Kennedy Centre Honours programme last week—an event he skipped during his previous tenure. The awards show is set to be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ on 23 December.
