Listen to the article
Maria Shriver Condemns Kennedy Center Renaming to “Trump-Kennedy Center”
Maria Shriver has voiced strong opposition to the Kennedy Center board’s unanimous vote to rename the prestigious institution to the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” calling the decision “beyond comprehension.” Shriver, a prominent member of the Kennedy family and niece of President John F. Kennedy, took to social media on Thursday to express her dismay over the change.
“It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. It is not,” Shriver wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. She accused President Donald Trump of attempting to co-opt a memorial dedicated to her uncle’s legacy in art, culture, and education.
The Kennedy Center, officially known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since its opening in 1971, has long stood as a cultural landmark in Washington D.C. and a living memorial to the 35th president. The institution was established by an act of Congress in 1964 following Kennedy’s assassination.
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, defended the name change, telling Fox Digital that the board’s vote recognizes Trump’s efforts to improve the center’s financial situation and update the aging facility. Under Trump’s administration, the center has reportedly nearly doubled its fundraising compared to previous years, raising a record $23 million.
President Trump expressed surprise and gratitude for the recognition. “We’re saving the building. We saved the building. The building was in such bad shape, physically, financially, in every other way,” Trump told reporters on Thursday. “And now it’s very solid, very strong.”
However, other Kennedy family members have joined Shriver in condemning the change. Joe Kennedy III, JFK’s great-nephew, argued that federal law protects the center’s name. “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says,” he posted on social media.
Shriver’s criticism was particularly pointed, suggesting that Trump might next target other national monuments. “Just when you think someone can’t stoop any lower, down they go,” she said, sarcastically wondering if the president would soon propose renaming JFK Airport, the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, or Smithsonian Institution after himself.
The controversy comes amid a pattern of similar name changes during Trump’s second administration. Kennedy Center officials noted that the renaming follows recent precedent, pointing to the State Department’s decision earlier this month to add Trump’s name to the U.S. Institute of Peace.
Cultural institutions like the Kennedy Center hold significant symbolic value in American society, representing not just artistic achievement but also historical legacy. The Kennedy Center has hosted the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors annually since 1978, celebrating lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
The Kennedy Center’s board, which includes political appointees and private citizens, typically operates with bipartisan support for its cultural mission. This controversial decision marks an unusual departure from tradition that has united both cultural figures and political leaders in opposition.
The name change is expected to be officially implemented soon, though some legal experts question whether such a change conflicts with the center’s founding legislation. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the growing controversy.
The renamed “Trump-Kennedy Center” is scheduled to host a televised event on December 23, which Trump predicted would “get very big ratings,” highlighting the intersection of cultural institutions with political branding that has characterized parts of his administration.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
This seems like a troubling precedent. The Kennedy Center should maintain its integrity as a memorial to President Kennedy, not be co-opted for partisan branding.
Agreed, the Kennedy family’s objections carry a lot of weight here. This decision appears to be more about political theater than honoring the center’s purpose.
As an arts and culture fan, I value the Kennedy Center’s role in preserving President Kennedy’s legacy. This name change seems like a misguided attempt at political grandstanding.
Agreed, the Kennedy Center should remain a nonpartisan space that brings people together through the arts, not divides them.
Hmm, I’m curious to learn more about the rationale behind this decision. Was there a clear process and justification for it? Rebranding such an iconic venue could be divisive.
The Kennedy family’s objection raises valid concerns. Any changes should be made thoughtfully and with broad stakeholder input, not unilaterally.
I’m quite skeptical of this move. The Kennedy Center is an important national institution – its identity and purpose shouldn’t be compromised for political gain.
Well said. Renaming the center to include Trump’s name is disrespectful to the Kennedys and undermines the center’s cultural significance.
This seems like an unnecessary politicization of a cultural institution. The Kennedy Center should remain a neutral space honoring President Kennedy’s legacy, not a vehicle for partisan branding.
I agree, the Kennedy legacy is bigger than any one administration. Renaming the center is disrespectful and dilutes its meaning.