Rosie O’Donnell slams Kennedy Center renaming, brands Trump ‘It’ in viral video

WASHINGTON, DC: Talk show host and comedian Rosie O’Donnell slammed the renaming of the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after President Donald Trump. O’Donnell is the latest public figure to criticize the decision, which has sparked widespread backlash and highlighted Trump’s growing influence over the institution, even as she avoided naming him directly.

Rosie O’Donnell slams Trump without naming him 

O’Donnell posted a video online where she appeared to criticize Trump without explicitly mentioning him. She said, “The Kennedy Center debacle… it has gone too far. It is seriously unwell.”

She added, “It needs to be removed from office,” ending her statement by referring to the president as “‘It,’ the nameless blob of negative energy.”

White House announces renaming decision

On Thursday, December 18, the Kennedy Center announced it would soon carry President Donald Trump’s name alongside its original namesake, following a unanimous vote by the center’s board of trustees.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision in a post on X, stating that the board, chaired by Trump himself, voted to rename the venue the Trump–Kennedy Center,

Leavitt praised Trump’s role in revitalizing the institution, citing his “unbelievable work” in restoring finances, overseeing reconstruction efforts, and improving public perception.

“The building will no doubt attain new levels of success and grandeur,” she added, congratulating both Trump and the late President John F. Kennedy.

Trump hails board’s decision

Trump assumed the role of chair earlier this year after removing several board members and appointing his own choices, a move that drew attention across arts and political circles.

“The board is a very distinguished board, most distinguished people in the country and I was surprised by it and I was honored by it,” Trump said during a White House press meet regarding the renaming.

Earlier this year, in a February post on Truth Social, Trump defended the board overhaul as necessary to usher in what he called a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture.” He wrote, “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision.”