Immediate Installation Follows Unanimous Board Decision
Controversy Erupts Over Legal Authority to Change Name
Protests and Legal Actions Gain Momentum
The Kennedy Center, a landmark cultural and arts performance venue in Washington, DC, is facing escalating legal and political controversy after adding the name of U.S. President Donald Trump to its exterior wall, just one day after deciding to change its official name to the "Trump-Kennedy Center." On December 19 (local time), the Washington Post reported that part of the Kennedy Center building was covered with tents as workers installed new signage on the exterior wall. The National Guard was deployed at the scene, and approximately 24 hours after the Center's board of directors, chaired by President Trump, unanimously approved the name change, the name "Donald Trump" was physically attached to the building.
A scene of engraving new letters including President Donald Trump's name on the exterior wall of the Kennedy Center, a cultural and arts performance venue in Washington DC, USA. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The Kennedy Center is a national cultural institution established in 1963 after the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy, following the passage of a memorial bill by Congress. The relevant federal law specifies the institution's official name as the "John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" and restricts the installation of additional commemorative markers or plaques in public areas. As a result, there have been growing criticisms that changing the name and installing signage based solely on the board's decision, without congressional approval, is illegal.
Kennedy Family and Democratic Lawmakers Call It "Illegal"; Trump Camp Cites "Recognition of Achievements"
Democratic Senator Andy Kim urged an immediate halt, stating, "The name defined by federal law cannot be changed without congressional approval." Catholic University of America law professor Roger Collin Bo also criticized, "The board does not have the authority to change the name and has violated its legal obligation to maintain the 'living memorial' honoring President Kennedy."
Protesters are holding a demonstration against the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the Kennedy Center. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The Kennedy family is also strongly opposing the move. Maria Shriver, niece of former President Kennedy, criticized on social media, "Next, they might try to rename JFK Airport or turn the Lincoln Memorial into the 'Trump-Lincoln Memorial.' There is no end to these attempts." Joe Kennedy III, a grandnephew of Kennedy and former Democratic Congressman, emphasized, "The Kennedy Center is a living memorial defined by law. Just as you cannot change the name of the Lincoln Memorial, you cannot change the name of the Center."
Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President Kennedy and a prospective congressional candidate, also questioned the legal validity of the decision, pointing out that there are laws prohibiting the renaming of the institution. It is reported that, aside from a few individuals close to President Trump, the vast majority oppose the name change. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a cabinet member in Trump's second administration, has yet to issue an official statement.
Criticism Mounts Over America's Leading Cultural Institution Becoming a Political Symbol
Political circles and civil society are also voicing opposition. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce a bill prohibiting the naming of federal buildings after sitting presidents. On the 20th, protesters holding signs that read "Trump is not John F. Kennedy" held a rally in front of the Center. The controversy stems from the dramatic changes in the Kennedy Center's management structure since President Trump took office. The board of directors, which consists of about 36 members, had previously operated as a bipartisan body with participation from both Republicans and Democrats. However, after President Trump assumed the chairmanship, he dismissed Democratic board members and replaced them with loyalists. He also carried out a sweeping personnel overhaul, appointing close ally Richard Grenell, former Ambassador to Germany, as Secretary-General.
On the 20th, protesters holding signs that read "Trump is not John F. Kennedy" held a rally in front of the Trump-Kennedy Center. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Following these changes, the Center underwent a complete renovation, including repainting the exterior and marble construction. A series of conservative political events were held, such as a memorial for young conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). On December 5, the venue hosted the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America, and President Trump was awarded the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize." Additionally, the Republican Party is pursuing legislation to rename the Kennedy Center Opera House as the "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House."
The New York Times commented, "Trump, who has been obsessed with branding his entire life, has placed his name over Kennedy's, the most powerful brand in American politics," adding, "This is not just a simple renaming, but an attempt to seize control of a symbol and a brand." Experts believe that this issue is likely to escalate beyond legal battles and further deepen political and cultural divisions within American society.
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