Tell Trump: Hands off the Kennedy Center!

This week, the Kennedy Center’s board — reshaped with presidential loyalists — voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts the Trump-Kennedy Center. As reported by The Washington Post, this unprecedented decision followed President Trump’s removal of longtime trustees, installation of political allies, and self-appointment as chair of what is meant to be a nonpartisan cultural institution.

The White House framed the move as recognition of Trump’s role in “saving the building,” but arts leaders and legal experts warn the action violates the spirit of the law that created the Kennedy Center and undermines its role as a public trust. Naming rights to a national memorial are not a political reward.

This isn’t just a symbolic change. The Kennedy Center was established as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy and belongs to the American public. People.com reports that concerns were raised about silenced dissent during the board’s vote, intensifying fears that political loyalty is now outweighing artistic independence and democratic norms.

The consequences are already mounting. According to AP News, ticket sales are declining, and artists are canceling performances in protest, signaling deep alarm across the arts community as a cultural landmark is turned into a partisan monument.

Only Congress has the legal authority to rename the Kennedy Center. A politically controlled board cannot rewrite history or federal law.

Add your name to demand that Congress keep the name of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. 

America’s cultural institutions do not belong to politicians. They belong to the people.

Thanks,
Mary