Buckle up, folks, because the Kennedy Center just got a bold new identity with a unanimous board vote to rename it the "Trump-Kennedy Center," as Fox News reports.
In a decision that’s sparking both cheers and raised eyebrows, the board of the esteemed performing arts venue voted to honor both President Donald Trump and President John F. Kennedy by dubbing the institution "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
This story kicked off over the past year as Trump took significant steps to pull the center from the brink of financial collapse and physical decay, a building first opened in 1971 and showing its age since the 1960s construction. The board, packed with notable figures like second lady Usha Vance, Fox News host Laura Ingraham, and Attorney General Pamela Bondi, saw fit to recognize his efforts. It’s a move that’s as much about gratitude as it is about branding.
Early in December, Trump was quizzed about the possibility of his name gracing the center during a visit, and he played it cool, leaving the call to the "very prestigious" board. Well, they’ve spoken now, and it’s a resounding yes.
On Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the vote publicly, confirming the name change and framing it as a win for cultural preservation. "Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future!" Leavitt declared, per her statement. While her enthusiasm is palpable, one wonders if this "team" will resonate with everyone or just those already waving the red hat.
Also on Thursday, Trump himself weighed in at a White House event, expressing surprise and honor at the decision. He didn’t shy away from touting his role, either. After all, a building in disrepair doesn’t fix itself, and Trump’s push for donor funds and structural revival seems to have impressed the right people.
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations, emphasized to Fox News Digital that the unanimous vote was a nod to Trump averting disaster for the center. It’s hard to argue with saving an icon of American culture, but "unanimous" might be a stretch for some.
Enter Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, who publicly contested the vote’s characterization, claiming she was silenced during the process. Her frustration hints at a deeper rift -- perhaps not everyone got their curtain call in this decision. It’s a reminder that even in artsy circles, politics can steal the spotlight.
The board insists all members had a chance to attend or listen in, even if they couldn’t vote, but Beatty’s muted objection lingers like a sour note. Transparency in these decisions matters, especially when renaming a national treasure.
An official from the center pointed to precedents like the recent naming of the U.S. Institute of Peace after Trump as justification, alongside his arts policy wins like the Music Modernization Act and Save Our Stages funding. These aren’t small feats for a sector often overlooked by fiscal hawks.
Trump also highlighted record-setting donations from Congress and private backers, a lifeline for the center’s revival. He’s betting on a big television event around December 23 to boost the center’s profile -- and ratings. That’s showbiz, and Trump knows the game.
Just days before the vote, on Dec. 7, President Trump and first lady Melania attended a Kennedy Center event honoring stars like Sylvester Stallone and KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. It’s fitting symbolism -- glitz, grit, and a nod to American icons, much like the man himself aims to be.
Trump’s take on Thursday was clear: "We're saving the building. We saved the building," he said, underscoring the center’s turnaround under his watch. While his pride is evident, some might ask if this rename is more about legacy than arts.
Still, with a board stacked with allies like media personalities and administration officials, the vote’s outcome isn’t exactly a plot twist. It’s a decision that reflects a particular vision for America’s cultural landmarks -- one that’s sure to keep the conversation lively.
Love it or loathe it, the Trump-Kennedy Center is now a reality, blending two presidential legacies in a way few saw coming. It’s a bold act in a nation often timid about honoring the living alongside the legends. Let’s see if this performance gets a standing ovation or a critical review.
