A controversial decision to rename one of Washington DC's most iconic cultural institutions has sparked fury within the political dynasty it was built to honour. The board of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts has voted to add former President Donald Trump's name to the building, a move that has drawn immediate and fierce condemnation from members of the Kennedy family.
Kennedy Heirs Voice Their Fury
Joe Kennedy III, the grandnephew of President John F. Kennedy and a former Massachusetts Congressman, led the public criticism. He took to social media platform X to state unequivocally that "The Kennedy Centre is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law." He drew a direct comparison to another hallowed American landmark, arguing "it can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial."
His sentiment was echoed by Maria Shriver, President Kennedy's niece, who expressed her shock and anger. "Some things leave you speechless, and enraged, and in a state of disbelief," she wrote, adding that the situation displayed "TDS in full display," a common acronym for 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'.
The rebranding was perceived as a personal attack by Jack Schlossberg, the late president's grandson and a progressive candidate for Congress. His campaign asserted on X that "Trump explicitly motivated to act by JACK FOR NEW YORK," claiming his political run "represents everything Trump can’t stand or defeat."
A Unanimous Vote and Vocal Dissent
The announcement was made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who revealed that the Kennedy Centre's Board of Directors had voted unanimously to rebrand the institution as the Trump-Kennedy Centre. The move, anticipated to cause outrage, was confirmed by the board's voting members loyal to Trump. However, non-voting ex-officio members, including Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, were excluded from the ballot.
Beatty forcefully disputed the characterisation of the vote. She posted a video stating, "For the record. This was not unanimous. I was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice my opposition to this move." She further criticised the process, calling it "censorship" and noting the item was not on the official agenda. Kennedy Centre President Richard Grenell responded, clarifying that ex-officio members never have voting rights.
Trump's Role and the Centre's Renovation
Speaking in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said he was "honoured" and "surprised" by the board's decision. He credited his administration with saving the 54-year-old building from potential demolition. "We saved the building," Trump stated, referencing a major renovation project.
Grenell elaborated, telling media that upon his arrival, engineers suggested tearing down the structurally challenged centre. He personally showed Trump the severe issues, including a collapsing sewer system. Unlike the contentious demolition of the White House East Wing, Trump opted for preservation, famously declaring, "I can save it." His administration subsequently secured $250 million in funding through the 'One Big Beautiful' bill passed before the July 4 recess.
Just before hosting the 48th Annual Kennedy Centre Honours in December—becoming the first sitting president to do so—Trump remarked to reporters that the centre "could never be built again." The honours ceremony is scheduled for broadcast on Tuesday, December 23.
