If you walked past the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts a few years ago, you’d see those iconic bronze pillars and a sense of quiet, institutional dignity. Today? It looks a little different. Or a lot different, depending on who you ask.
The building now sports massive metal lettering that reads: The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. It's a mouthful. Honestly, most locals just call it the "Trump-Kennedy Center" now, and the drama surrounding this rebranding hasn't slowed down since it started.
When people talk about how Trump takes over the Kennedy Center, they aren't just talking about a name on a wall. They’re talking about a fundamental shift in how one of the country's most important cultural hubs actually functions. From the board of directors to the "rainbow" medals worn by honorees, basically everything has been touched by this administration’s vision for American culture.
The Day Everything Changed: How Trump Took Over the Kennedy Center
It wasn't a slow process.
In early 2025, right after the inauguration, things moved fast. President Trump did something unprecedented: he issued termination notices to existing board members—including those appointed by Joe Biden—and named himself the Chairman of the Board. Usually, this board is a bipartisan mix of 36 people who serve six-year terms. It’s meant to be a steady, non-political hand on the wheel. Not this time.
Trump brought in a new wave of trustees, including Ric Grenell, who took over as interim president after Deborah Rutter’s contract was terminated. Susie Wiles, Usha Vance, and Dan Scavino joined the ranks.
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By December 18, 2025, the new board voted "unanimously" to add Trump’s name to the building. This sparked an immediate legal and political firestorm. Why? Because the Kennedy Center was established by an Act of Congress in 1958 as a living memorial to JFK. Many legal scholars, and several angry members of Congress, argue that you can’t just slap a new name on a federal memorial without a new law. But the signs went up anyway.
The Mass Exodus: Artists, Operas, and Empty Seats
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the "Kennedy Center Boycott." It’s been a bit of a rolling crisis for the venue’s scheduling department.
When the news of the rebranding broke, a wave of cancellations followed. High-profile names like Lin-Manuel Miranda and the producers of Hamilton led the charge, but it didn't stop with Broadway. Here’s a quick look at some of the groups that have pulled out or moved:
- The Washington National Opera: In a massive blow to the center’s prestige, the WNO announced in January 2026 that they are looking to leave the building entirely.
- Béla Fleck: The legendary banjo player canceled a gig with the National Symphony Orchestra because the environment felt too "charged."
- The MLK Day Concert: A 23-year tradition was moved to a different venue this year.
- The Cookers: This jazz supergroup didn't just cancel; they started a GoFundMe to recover their lost income.
It’s a mess. Ric Grenell has been vocal on X (formerly Twitter), calling these moves "political stunts" and claiming the center is being "flooded with inquiries" from artists who aren't "woke." But the numbers tell a slightly different story. Ticket sales have reportedly hit some of their lowest points in years, and viewership for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors broadcast was down significantly—about 35% compared to the year before.
What the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors Looked Like
For decades, the Kennedy Center Honors was the one night in DC where everyone played nice. The President would sit in the box, the artists would get their rainbow ribbons, and everyone would clap.
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In 2025, Trump decided to host the event himself—the first time a sitting president has ever done so. He also changed the medals. Those iconic rainbow ribbons? Gone. They’ve been replaced by a navy blue ribbon.
The honoree list for 2025 was a specific vibe:
- Sylvester Stallone (a long-time friend of the President)
- George Strait
- Gloria Gaynor
- The rock band KISS
- Michael Crawford
Trump was 98% involved in picking them. He was very open about the fact that he rejected "wokesters" during the selection process. While the show went on with plenty of pyrotechnics—especially for KISS—the absence of the usual Broadway and "high art" elite was palpable.
The "Looting" Allegations and Financial Turmoil
Critics, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, haven't been shy about their disapproval. There have been allegations that the center is being run like a "private club."
Documents surfaced showing that FIFA was given exclusive, free use of the campus for the World Cup draw. Other reports detailed steep discounts for conservative groups like the American Conservative Union. Meanwhile, the center is reportedly losing millions in rental fees and direct revenue.
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There’s also the $257 million renovation plan. Trump has promised to replace every seat in the house and make it a "crown jewel" again. Republicans in Congress cleared the funding, but critics argue the money is being used to strip away the original intent of the memorial.
Is This the New Normal?
Honestly, it’s hard to say if this "takeover" is permanent. The legal challenges regarding the name change are still winding through the courts. If a future administration takes over, do the signs come down? Does the Washington National Opera come back?
For now, the Trump-Kennedy Center is a lightning rod. It’s no longer just a place to see a play; it’s a frontline in the American culture war. If you're planning a visit, just know that the atmosphere is different. It’s louder, it’s more partisan, and the gift shop definitely looks different than it did in 2024.
Practical Insights for Arts Supporters:
- Check the Calendar: If you’re looking for specific performers, check their social media. Many have moved their DC dates to the Anthem or the Warner Theatre.
- Follow the Lawsuits: The naming rights issue is the big one. Keep an eye on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability for updates on the legality of the signage.
- Support Local: If you’re uncomfortable with the national politics at the Kennedy Center, DC has an incredible local scene (like Arena Stage or Signature Theatre) that is staying out of the fray.
The transition is real, and it’s happening right in front of the Potomac. Whether you see it as a "restoration" of American values or a "hostile takeover," the Kennedy Center as we knew it is, for the moment, gone.