The board of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has voted unanimously to rename the venue after former President Donald Trump. This decision, announced on December 18, 2025, by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, officially changes the name to the Trump-Kennedy Center. Leavitt praised Trump for his contributions to the center, citing his role in its reconstruction and financial stabilization.
In a statement shared on social media, Leavitt emphasized the board’s respect for Trump, stating, “I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center… have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center.” She expressed optimism that the center would achieve new levels of success and grandeur following the name change.
This renaming has drawn criticism from members of the Kennedy family. Joseph Kennedy III, a former Democratic representative and grandnephew of President John F. Kennedy, voiced strong opposition to the decision. He remarked that the center was named after a “fallen president” by federal law, suggesting that it cannot simply be renamed. He likened the situation to an attempt to rename the Lincoln Memorial.
In reaction to this development, Maria Shriver, a niece of John F. Kennedy, described the decision as “beyond comprehension.” She expressed her disbelief that Trump would consider placing his name alongside that of her uncle, stating, “It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not.”
Despite the board’s claims of success under Trump’s leadership, ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have reportedly experienced significant declines. An analysis by the New York Times indicated that ticket sales fell by 50% between October 2025 and the same period in 2024. A report from the Washington Post supported these findings, noting a widespread drop in ticket sales from September to mid-October.
The decision to rename the venue is part of a broader trend of Trump’s influence on cultural institutions, which has sparked controversy and debate. Critics have raised concerns about the implications of such a prominent figure being honored in this manner, especially given the historical significance of the Kennedy Center.
As reactions continue to pour in, the debate over the Trump-Kennedy Center name change reflects deeper divisions within American society concerning the legacy of Trump and the values associated with the Kennedy family. The coming weeks may reveal further developments as stakeholders from various backgrounds respond to this historic decision.
