President Donald Trump made history in December 2025 when the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously to rename the iconic Washington, D.C. institution the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts—often referred to as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
This bold move, led by a board chaired by Donald Trump himself and filled with his appointees, recognizes his efforts to revitalize the nation’s premier performing arts venue.
Donald Trump’s Vision for the Kennedy Center
Since taking office for his second term, Donald Trump has been deeply involved in transforming the Kennedy Center. In early 2025, he overhauled the leadership, replacing former president Deborah Rutter and board chair David Rubenstein with loyal allies, including Richard Grenell as president. Donald Trump appointed himself chairman, ensuring a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture” free from what he calls “woke” influences.
The renaming, announced on December 18, 2025, honors Donald Trump’s contributions to saving and enhancing the historic building. New signage featuring Donald Trump’s name was installed on the facade just one day later, on December 19. White House spokespeople highlighted the bipartisan support, with the board praising Donald Trump for bringing the center “back to life like nobody ever thought possible.”
Donald Trump expressed surprise and honor at the decision, stating during an Oval Office event that he was “honored” by the unanimous vote. This marks another landmark where Donald Trump leaves his legacy, following similar additions to other federal buildings.
Donald Trump Hosts 2025 Kennedy Center Honors
Earlier in December, Trump became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors, emceeing the ceremony on December 7, 2025. He personally selected most honorees, including Sylvester Stallone, George Strait, KISS, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford—artists aligning with his vision for celebrating American excellence.
The event, broadcast on CBS on December 23, featured Trump joking about the “Trump Kennedy Center” and delivering opening remarks. Tributes included performances by Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, and others, showcasing Donald Trump’s commitment to non-political, high-energy entertainment.
Backlash and the Christmas Eve Jazz Jam Cancellation
The renaming sparked debate, with critics—including some Kennedy family members and Democrats—questioning its legality, arguing congressional approval is needed for changes to the JFK memorial. A lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty seeks to reverse it.
On December 24, 2025, longtime host Chuck Redd canceled the annual Christmas Eve Jazz Jam—a free tradition since the early 2000s—citing the name change as his reason. Redd, a renowned drummer who led the event since 2006, stated he chose to cancel upon seeing Donald Trump’s name on the building.
Despite the controversy, supporters view the changes under Trump as revitalizing a national treasure, ensuring it reflects bipartisan greatness for generations.
Legacy of Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center
Trump’s involvement has positioned the center for a new era, emphasizing American cultural icons and fiscal responsibility. As the nation celebrates the holidays, the Trump-Kennedy Center stands as a symbol of his enduring impact on arts and culture.
References
- ABC News (December 19-22, 2025)
- The Washington Post (December 18-24, 2025)
- NPR (December 19, 2025)
- Reuters (December 18-25, 2025)
- AP News (December 24, 2025)
- CNN (December 7-24, 2025)
- The New York Times (December 7-25, 2025)
- CBS News (December 23-24, 2025)
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