The Kennedy Center will officially carry President Donald J. Trump’s name alongside John F. Kennedy’s, a unanimous board decision that Republicans say recognizes the rescue and restoration work done under President Trump’s oversight. This article covers the board vote, statements from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and President Trump, reactions about fundraising and repairs, and context about related renamings tied to the administration’s efforts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the change, saying the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to reflect President Trump’s role in stabilizing the institution. This move follows a year of work to repair the building’s finances and physical condition, and it signals a formal acknowledgement from the center’s leadership. Supporters view the renaming as deserved recognition for preventing financial ruin and securing the institution’s future.
Leavitt wrote that the board consisted of “some of the most successful people from all parts of the world” and that the vote was driven by the tangible improvements made. She placed the emphasis on the concrete results delivered for the arts center, not on partisanship. The new official name will be The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, often shortened to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center, some of the most successful people from all parts of the world, have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, because of the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building,” Leavitt’s post read.
She added praise for the turnaround, noting both structural and reputational improvements under the recent stewardship. “Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation,” she added. “Congratulations to President Donald J. Trump, and likewise, congratulations to President Kennedy, because this will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur.”
The Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations confirmed that the board voted to recognize the current chairman’s work in rescuing it from a perilous financial and physical state. Insiders say the unanimous decision came after an intensive period of repairs, fundraising, and donor outreach spearheaded by the chairman’s team. Republican leaders point to the board’s consensus as proof the change was about stewardship and results.
At an Oval Office event, President Trump reacted with surprise and gratitude about the renaming decision, emphasizing the scale of the problem he inherited at the center. “I was surprised by it, and I was honored by it. We’re saving the building… That building was in such bad shape — both physically, financially, and in every other way, and now it’s very solid and very strong…The Kennedy Center is really back strongly,” the president shared. He described extensive fundraising and donor commitments that helped stabilize the institution.
The rebranding follows earlier hints that the name might change, including comments by the president earlier in the year about the center’s future identity. On one occasion, President Trump downplayed immediate plans while acknowledging people were already referring to the institution by the combined name. “Some people refer to it as the Trump/Kennedy Center, but we’re not prepared to do that quite yet,” he said, adding, “Maybe in a week or so.”
During another visit in early December, the president reiterated that any final decision would rest with the Kennedy Center’s board, calling them “very prestigious.” The reporting on those conversations described a back-and-forth about timing, but ultimately the trustees voted to move forward with the renaming. The administration highlights this as an example of public-private cooperation that preserved an important cultural landmark.
In related moves, a federal building tied to diplomatic and peace efforts also received a name update to recognize activity attributed to the administration. The new plaque reads, “Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace,” a change that drew attention for the symbolic and practical implications of naming federal institutions after living presidents. Supporters argue such honors reflect tangible contributions rather than partisan symbolism.
The decision to affix President Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center has predictably generated strong reactions from opponents, but supporters see it as overdue credit for restoring an iconic venue. Many point out that renaming decisions often follow significant private fundraising and renovation achievements, making this case consistent with precedent. For Republican readers, the renaming is framed as a win for stewardship over theatrical outrage.
Why not rename the capital Trump-Washington, D.C.? Trump has done more to save the capital than any predecessor, including sending in the National Guard, and much more than he has done for the performing arts center.
Perfect Name! I didn’t even realize the Democrats let it get so bad! A true sign the Democrat party is not the same party as it once was in the Kennedy days. How come the Kennedy’s didn’t do or say anything about it deteriorating structure? Cause their not the same party as President Kennedy neither and that’s “family”!? It took bad man orange to feel for the iconic democrat Kennedy days and fix up the Center. I’m all for it being called Trump/Kennedy Art Center! Like I say “Caring is a dying Art”!