Democratic lawmakers are raising concerns regarding the recent decision to rename the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to include the name of former President Donald Trump. A group of nonvoting board members, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, argues that federal law prohibits such a renaming without congressional approval.
The Kennedy Center’s board, reportedly led by Trump supporters, voted on October 5, 2023, to change its name to “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The specifics of Trump’s involvement in the voting process remain unclear. Following the decision, workers began adding Trump’s name to the building’s signage.
Jeffries and other Democratic board members issued a statement asserting that “beyond using the Kennedy Center to reward his friends and political allies, President Trump is now attempting to affix his name to yet another public institution without legal authority.” They referenced a federal law establishing the center as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, which they claim prohibits changing its name without congressional action.
Controversy Surrounds Name Change
The decision has sparked significant backlash from members of the Kennedy family and other public figures. Maria Shriver, niece of John F. Kennedy and former First Lady of California, expressed her dismay on social media, stating, “It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy.” She further criticized the name change as an unacceptable act.
The legality of the name change remains uncertain, as neither the law establishing the Kennedy Center nor subsequent legislation clearly addresses the naming authority. The current board members, who are reportedly aligned with Trump, replaced previous trustees appointed by former presidents, raising questions about the governance of the center.
In response to the name change, Joe Kennedy III, JFK’s great-nephew, indicated on social media that the Kennedy Center could no more be renamed than the Lincoln Memorial. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among critics who view the name change as an overreach.
Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who attempted to voice her opposition during the virtual meeting where the vote took place, claimed she was muted and prevented from expressing her concerns. “I was on that call, and as I tried to push my button to voice my concern, I was muted. Each time I tried to speak, I was muted,” Beatty stated, calling the vote an attempt to evade the law and restrict public discourse.
Reactions and Next Steps
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, Roma Daravi, stated that all board members were invited to participate in the meeting, emphasizing that the privilege of listening was extended to all members, even those without voting rights. Despite this, the incident has raised alarms about transparency and governance at the institution.
While President Trump expressed surprise at the name change, he had previously suggested adding his name to the venue. The ongoing controversy has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and public institutions, with Democratic lawmakers pledging to hold the Trump administration accountable for what they describe as corruption.
As discussions continue, the future of the Kennedy Center’s name remains uncertain. The implications of this decision extend beyond the venue itself, raising critical questions about the integrity of public institutions and the limits of executive power.
