On December 18, 2023, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., underwent a significant rebranding, with the board of directors voting unanimously to rename it the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” This decision aligns the legacy of former President John F. Kennedy with that of the 47th President, Donald J. Trump, and concludes a year of extensive changes initiated by the current administration aimed at transforming the federally owned performing arts venue.
The rebranding marks a notable departure from the Kennedy Center’s previous operational style. Members of the board, appointed by Trump, took the lead on this decision. Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, confirmed the move, praising Trump’s efforts in revitalizing the venue both financially and in terms of its public image. “Because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” Leavitt stated, highlighting the dual legacy of the new name. She expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to future success.
Trump echoed this sentiment, stating from the Oval Office that he felt “very honoured” by the new designation, asserting simply, “We saved the Kennedy Center.” Despite the unanimous support from the board, any official change to the name faces potential legal challenges. The Kennedy Center was established under a law enacted in 1964, which specifically designated it as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Legal experts indicate that this legislation does not grant the board the authority to unilaterally change the name, implying that Congressional approval would be necessary for any formal recognition of the new title.
The renaming is part of a broader reorganization of the Kennedy Center that commenced shortly after Trump began his second term. A month into his presidency, Trump dismissed the existing board and appointed himself as the new chairman, allowing him to reshape the institution’s governance. Ric Grenell, a close ally and former envoy for special missions, was appointed president of the center, ensuring that the venue’s operations align closely with the administration’s objectives. This shift has raised concerns about the center’s independence and its commitment to a diverse range of programming.
Trump has publicly criticized the previous management of the Kennedy Center, describing it as having fallen into decline. He specifically targeted a recent expansion project, which cost approximately $250 million, labelling it a misuse of resources. His administration aims to eliminate what he calls “woke” programming and return the venue to profitability by focusing on mainstream productions. The Kennedy Center operates with an annual budget of about $268 million, with federal funding accounting for approximately 16 percent of its resources.
The administration has already begun to utilize the venue for high-profile events, with Trump attending a performance of Les Misérables in June 2023. His appearance elicited mixed reactions from the audience. More recently, on December 5, he hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw at the center, breaking from tradition by not attending the annual Kennedy Honors in person, instead hosting the event from the Oval Office on December 7.
As the Trump-Kennedy Center prepares for its new identity, questions about its future direction and operational autonomy loom large, highlighting the complex interplay between politics and culture in the United States. The full implications of the board’s recent vote remain to be seen as legal and legislative challenges may arise in the coming months.
