8 months ago
Kennedy Center Renaming Sparks Family Outrage
The Kennedy Center, a famous place for performing arts in Washington, D.C., might get a new name.
The White House said the board of trustees, who were chosen by President Trump, voted to add his name to the center.
They want to call it the Trump-Kennedy Center because they think Trump did a lot to help the place.
But the Kennedy family is very upset about this.
They say the center is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and cannot be renamed.
They compare it to renaming other important memorials like the Lincoln Memorial and say it's an insult to JFK's legacy.
Some family members are even running for office to fight against this change.
There was a big event there recently, like a drawing for a future soccer World Cup.
People are arguing about it, with some supporting the change and others making fun of it.
The Kennedy Center board of trustees, appointed by Trump, voted unanimously to rename the center to the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy family reacted with anger, calling the decision an insult to JFK's legacy and comparing it to renaming other historical memorials.
Maria Shriver, JFK’s niece, expressed disbelief and concern over the move, questioning the administration's motives.
Joe Kennedy III and other family members argued that the center is a federal memorial and cannot be renamed by the board.
The decision raises legal questions about the board's authority to rename the center, as it is designated by federal law as a memorial to JFK.
- Who
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, President Donald Trump, Kennedy Center board of trustees, Kennedy family members
- What
- Proposed renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center
- Where
- Washington, D.C.
- When
- Announced on Thursday
- Why
- Board of trustees voted unanimously to recognize Trump's contributions to the center, sparking outrage from the Kennedy family
Kennedy Family
Trump Administration
Legitimacy of Renaming
Kennedy Family
The Kennedy family argues that the center is a memorial to JFK and cannot be renamed, citing federal law and the center's purpose as a tribute to the late president.
Trump Administration
The Trump administration, through the board of trustees, believes the renaming is appropriate to recognize Trump's contributions to the center.
Respect for Historical Figures
Kennedy Family
Family members express that adding Trump's name is an insult to JFK's legacy and compares it to renaming other historical memorials like the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump Administration
The administration views the renaming as a honor and does not see it as disrespectful to JFK's legacy.
Key facts
- Current Name
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
- Proposed New Name
- Trump-Kennedy Center
- Announcement Date
- Thursday
- Announced By
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
- Board Vote
- Unanimous
- Recent Event
- 2026 FIFA World Cup draw
- Ticket Sales Decline
- 50% drop in October 2023 compared to 2022
- Legal Authority
- Federal law designating the center as a memorial to JFK, raising questions about the board's authority to rename it
Timeline
Trump's ballroom plan sparks renaming idea.
He considers naming it after himself, mirroring USIP renaming.
White House reveals Kennedy Center name change, including Trump's name.
Precedent: Trump's recent renaming of public institutions.
Kennedy family, public oppose move, sparking controversy.
Quotes
Karoline Leavitt
White House press secretary
“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.”
telegraphindia.com
“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.”
telegraphindia.com
Donald Trump
US President
“We saved it. It was really in bad shape, physically.”
telegraphindia.com
Roma Daravi
Board spokeswoman
“The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to name the institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The new Trump Kennedy Center reflects the unequivocal bipartisan support for America’s cultural center for generations to come.”
telegraphindia.com
Maria Shriver
Niece of John F. Kennedy
“It makes my blood boil. It's so ridiculous, so petty, so small minded. Truly, what is this about? It's always about something. Let's get rid of the Rose Garden. Let's rename the Kennedy Centre. What's next?”
telegraphindia.com
Joe Kennedy
Grandnephew of John F. Kennedy and former US representative
“The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law. It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Trump Renames Kennedy Arts Center After Himself
Kennedy Family Members Blast Decision To Add Trump’s Name To Arts Institution & Memorial To JFK: “Insult,” “Beyond Comprehension,” “Weird”
Kennedy Center to be renamed Trump-Kennedy Center
White House says Kennedy Centre will be renamed after Trump. But there's a catch
Kennedy Center to be renamed to include Trump's name — White House announces change after ‘unanimous’ vote
