On Friday, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington swiftly underwent a significant change, with the addition of Donald Trump's name to its title. This decision came just a day after the center's board of trustees, appointed by Trump himself, voted unanimously to make this controversial change. The center, originally designated by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, is now officially renamed as The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
In a bid to obscure the ongoing renovations, blue tarps were hung across the façade of the Kennedy Center, which concealed workers as they carried out the transformation. This rapid rebranding marks a significant moment in the intersection of politics and the arts, particularly given the historical significance of the center itself.
The unanimous vote by Trump’s board, which he chairs, has sparked strong backlash from various quarters, including Democratic members of Congress who serve as ex-officio board members. Many critics argue that such a name change is not within the board’s authority. “The Kennedy Center was named by law. To change the name would require a revision of that 1964 law,” stated Ray Smock, a former House historian, in an email. “The Kennedy Center board is not a lawmaking entity. Congress makes laws.”
Established in 1964, a year after Kennedy’s assassination, the Kennedy Center was specifically intended to honor the legacy of the Democratic president. The original legislation explicitly prohibits the board of trustees from renaming the center or allowing another individual’s name to be displayed on the building’s exterior. This law has raised questions about the legality of the recent changes.
In addition to political opposition, some members of the Kennedy family have expressed their disapproval of the renaming effort. The Kennedy Center is not the first building in Washington to have Trump’s name added; the U.S. Institute of Peace also recently underwent a similar transformation.
As the Kennedy Center embraces this new identity, it remains to be seen how this will impact its legacy as a vital cultural institution. The center has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the renaming.
As discussions surrounding the Kennedy Center and its new name unfold, the role of a free press remains crucial in fostering informed public dialogue. Support for trusted journalism is essential in a healthy democracy, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard in the midst of political changes.