Kennedy Center installs Trump signage after board vote renames iconic arts venue

WASHINGTON, DC: New signage bearing President Donald Trump’s name was installed at the Kennedy Center on Friday, one day after the institution’s board of trustees voted to rename the historic performing arts venue in his honor.

The move has sparked legal questions and sharp backlash from members of the Kennedy family, reigniting debate over who controls one of the nation’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Kennedy Center signage updated to include Trump

Visitors arriving at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday were met with a visible change: newly installed signage now includes President Donald Trump’s name alongside that of the late President John F. Kennedy.

The updated name, according to the board’s decision, is now “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

The center’s official social media accounts were updated the same day to reflect the new branding, signaling a swift rollout following Thursday’s board vote.

The decision marks a dramatic shift for an institution Congress designated as a memorial to Kennedy in 1964, just months after his assassination.

Legal authority questioned over Kennedy Center renaming 

Despite the installation of new signage, serious questions remain about whether the board of trustees has the legal authority to rename the performing arts center.

Congress formally established the Kennedy Center as a national memorial to President Kennedy. Legal experts have noted that altering its name may require congressional approval rather than a unilateral board decision.

As of Friday, no formal legal challenge had been announced, but the uncertainty has cast a shadow over the renaming effort, even as physical changes to the building continue.

Kennedy family criticizes renaming as Maria Shriver calls it 'beyond comprehension’

The decision immediately drew criticism from the Kennedy family, who have long viewed the center as a lasting tribute to John F. Kennedy’s legacy.

Maria Shriver publicly condemned the move, calling the attempt to rename the memorial after Trump “beyond comprehension.” Her remarks echoed broader concerns that the renaming politicizes a space meant to honor arts, culture, and bipartisan ideals.

Trump defends role, claims he 'saved' Kennedy Center

President Trump defended his involvement with the performing arts center, framing the changes as part of a broader effort to revive the institution.

On Thursday, he touted what he described as “record-setting numbers” in donors and previewed plans to push Congress for increased funding.

“We’re saving the building. We saved the building. The building was in such bad shape, both physically, financially and every other way. And now it’s very solid, very strong,” Trump said.

Since returning to office, Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership, removing several board members, ousting its chairman, and appointing new trustees aligned with his administration. He was later elected chair of the center by the newly reconstituted board.

Kennedy Center renaming follows broader effort to place Trump name on federal institutions

The Kennedy Center signage marks the second time this month a federal institution was renamed after Trump.

Earlier in December, Trump’s name was installed on signage at the US Institute of Peace, an independent federal agency.

That move followed a broader restructuring effort, as the Trump administration gutted the agency as part of its campaign to reduce the size of the federal government.