A member of the Kennedy family has declared their intention to respond decisively after Donald Trump revealed plans to rename the esteemed Kennedy Center after himself.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, commonly referred to as the Kennedy Center, honors the legacy of the former president in Washington, D.C.
Despite its historical name, Trump’s name has now been added to the building following a unanimous decision by the center’s board on December 18 to rename it as the Trump-Kennedy Center.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to social media to explain that the renaming was due to “the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building.”
Leavitt further stated: “Not only from the standpoint of its reconstruction, but also financially, and its reputation. 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.”
Numerous members of the Kennedy family have voiced their opposition to this change, including Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and niece of John F. Kennedy.
Interestingly, Kerry is also the sister of Trump’s health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kerry shared her thoughts on X, posting a picture of the building’s new exterior which now bears the inscription: “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
As the president of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, she pledged to remove Trump’s name once his term concludes. She wrote: “Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickaxe and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder. Are you in? Applying for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!”
Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder. Are you in? Applying for my carpenter’s card today, so it’ll be a union job!!! pic.twitter.com/ZLPhd7fU31
— Kerry Kennedy (@KerryKennedyRFK) December 19, 2025
Kerry previously contended that Trump and his administration have been curtailing artistic freedom, a fundamental mission of the center.
“President Trump and his administration have spent the past year repressing free expression, targeting artists, journalists, and comedians, and erasing the history of Americans whose contributions made our nation better and more just,” she posted on social media.
“President Kennedy proudly stood for justice, peace, equality, dignity, diversity, and compassion for those who suffer. President Trump stands in opposition to these values, and his name should not be placed alongside President Kennedy’s.”