House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) is sharply criticizing a reported move involving President Donald Trump and the Kennedy Center, claiming the action violates federal law and exceeds the authority of the center’s board.
The dispute erupted Thursday after the White House confirmed that the Kennedy Center’s board voted to add President Trump’s name to the iconic Washington, D.C. performing arts venue.
Democrats Claim Name Change Requires Congress
Speaking to reporters, Jeffries argued that the Kennedy Center cannot legally be renamed without direct approval from Congress.
“The Kennedy Center Board has no authority to actually rename the Kennedy Center in the absence of legislative action,” Jeffries said.
He cited federal statute, noting that the institution is officially designated under U.S. law as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. According to Democrats, that designation means any permanent name change would require congressional action—not just a board vote.
White House Praises Trump’s Role in Center’s Revival
The comments came shortly after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the board had voted to include President Trump’s name in the venue’s title.
“I have just been informed that the highly respected Board of the Kennedy Center—some of the most successful people from all parts of the world—have just voted unanimously to rename the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center,” Leavitt wrote on X.
Leavitt credited President Trump with revitalizing the center, pointing to financial improvements, structural restoration, and what she described as a turnaround in the venue’s national reputation.
She said President Trump’s efforts over the past year helped stabilize the facility financially and improve its overall reputation, adding that the partnership is expected to benefit the center for years to come. She also predicted the venue would continue to grow in prominence and prestige.
Kennedy Family Pushes Back
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Kennedy Center, later confirmed that the board had taken action. However, the move quickly drew objections from members of the Kennedy family.
Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) argued that the center is a federally established memorial and should not be renamed without congressional approval.
“The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to a fallen president and named by federal law,” he wrote on X. “It cannot simply be renamed by a board vote.”
Kerry Kennedy, daughter of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, also condemned the decision, saying President Trump does not represent the values she associates with President Kennedy.
Dispute Over Board Vote Details
Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of President Kennedy, challenged the White House’s account of the vote, claiming it was not unanimous and raising concerns about how the meeting was conducted.
“Microphones were muted, and the board vote was NOT unanimous,” Schlossberg posted online.
Legal Questions Remain
As the controversy grows, legal experts say the key question is whether the Kennedy Center’s board has the authority to make such a change without Congress rewriting federal law.
Supporters of President Trump argue the move reflects his leadership and success in restoring a major cultural institution. Democrats, meanwhile, are signaling they may push for legislative or legal challenges.
The issue is expected to spark further debate in Congress, adding to the ongoing political clashes between President Trump and Democratic leadership in Washington.