President Trump’s handpicked board defied Democrat opposition and congressional authority by voting to rename the Kennedy Center after himself, triggering outrage from liberal lawmakers who claim the move violates federal law.
Story Highlights
- Trump’s board unanimously voted to rename the Kennedy Center as the “Trump Kennedy Center” despite Democrat claims it’s illegal
- Democrats were silenced during the vote, with Rep. Joyce Beatty muted when trying to voice concerns
- Trump secured $250 million in renovations and replaced liberal board members with conservative supporters
- Kennedy family members attacked the decision while Republicans praised Trump’s cultural leadership
Trump Board Votes Unanimously Despite Democrat Opposition
President Trump’s handpicked board voted unanimously on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to rename Washington’s premier performing arts venue as “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
The board immediately updated the center’s website branding, moving ahead despite furious Democrat objections. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the decision to Trump’s “unbelievable work” transforming the institution since returning to office in January.
Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center https://t.co/FrXANgYBRg
— The Lowell Sun (@LowellSun) December 18, 2025
Democrats Claim Legal Authority While Being Silenced
House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries insisted “Only Congress can rename the Kennedy Center,” arguing the board overstepped its legal authority. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat board member, revealed she was muted when attempting to voice concerns during the remote meeting.
Former Senate historian Donald Ritchie supported Democrat claims, stating Congress must “amend the law” for any legal name change. However, the board proceeded without waiting for legislative action, demonstrating Trump’s commitment to decisive leadership.
Trump Transforms Liberal Institution With Conservative Vision
Since returning to office, Trump replaced board members appointed by Democrat presidents with ardent supporters who elected him chairman. He secured over $250 million from the Republican-controlled Congress for renovations, including fresh paint, new theater seats, and facility upgrades.
Trump has criticized the center’s historically liberal programming as “woke” anti-American culture, promising comprehensive overhauls. This represents a significant victory in the broader cultural battle against leftist institutional control.
Kennedy Family Attacks While Republicans Celebrate Achievement
Maria Shriver, John F. Kennedy’s niece, called Trump’s actions “beyond comprehension” and “beyond wild,” suggesting he might target other Kennedy memorials next. Her brother Tim Shriver denounced the renaming as an “insult to a great president” on social media.
However, Sen. Lindsey Graham praised it as a “well-deserved honor,” recognizing Trump’s dedication to “refurbishing and revitalizing” the institution. The split reaction highlights the ongoing cultural divide between conservative restoration and liberal resistance.
