POLITICS

Kennedy Center Renamed Trump-Kennedy Center by Board Vote

PUBLISHED Dec 18, 2025, 2:06 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Left 9%

Center 82%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

Washington: The Kennedy Center board, composed of trustees appointed by President Donald Trump, voted Thursday to rename the John F. Kennedy Center the Trump-Kennedy Center, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X. Leavitt credited Trump's role in financing and rebuilding the facility and the board updated branding online. Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex‑officio trustee, said she was muted during the vote and denied the chance to object, disputing the claim the decision was unanimous. Kennedy family members and legal historians said Congress originally named the center and may need to amend law. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

1964: Congress named the performing arts center for John F. Kennedy.
1971: The Kennedy Center opened and became a national performing arts venue.
Early 2025: President Trump appointed new trustees, became board chair, and removed the center's president.
Dec. 7, 2025: Trump referenced a possible renaming while attending the Kennedy Center Honors.
Dec. 19, 2025: White House announced trustees voted to rename the center; Rep. Joyce Beatty disputed the vote procedure.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

President Donald Trump and the trustees he appointed gained symbolic association, institutional control, and short-term political and reputational benefit from the board's vote to rename the Kennedy Center.

Who Impacted

Kennedy family members, dissenting trustees, performers, staff, and parts of the public experienced reputational harm, legal uncertainty, and institutional disruption after the contested renaming and related governance changes.

Media Bias