Renamed Kennedy Center to Trump-Kennedy Center without Congressional authorization
December 18, 2025
Multiple Guardrails
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Why Level 3?
Systemic escalation: Renamed federally chartered memorial institution without proper authorization. Multiple guardrails bypassed: Congressional authority, federal law, institutional integrity. Measurable harm to cultural institutions and respect for established norms.
What Happened
Context
In February 2025, President Trump fired the entire board of trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, appointed his own board members, and named himself chairman. On December 18, 2025, the board voted unanimously to rename the center.
Action Taken
On December 18, 2025, the board of trustees voted unanimously to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.' The name change was implemented immediately with new signage and branding. Critics argue the board lacks legal authority to change the name without Congressional approval, as the center was established by federal law as a memorial to John F. Kennedy. The board also changed bylaws in May 2025 to exclude ex officio members (including Congressional members) from voting, facilitating the unanimous vote.
In His Own Words
"The Kennedy Center has been saved from financial ruin."
"We will restore traditional American values to the arts."
"The board has the authority to make this change."
What's Wrong
Board voted to rename federally chartered institution without Congressional authorization. The center's name is established by federal law (20 U.S. Code § 76i) as 'John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.' Board changed bylaws to exclude ex officio members from voting, facilitating unanimous vote. Critics argue only Congress can change the name of a federally chartered memorial institution.
Impact
Institutional: Renamed federally chartered memorial institution without Congressional authorization. Legal: Lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty challenging the name change. Cultural: Multiple artists canceled performances, ticket sales dropped 43% in fall 2025. Operational: Washington National Opera announced departure from the center.