Republican bill aims to rebrand a major cultural institution in Washington, D.C.
A new bill introduced in the U.S. Congress proposes renaming the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Titled the Make Entertainment Great Again Act, the legislation seeks to change the center’s name to the Donald J. Trump Center for the Performing Arts.
Focus on a national cultural symbol
The proposal was introduced on July 23 by Republican Representative Bob Onder of Missouri. Onder cites former President Trump’s leadership since becoming chairman of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees in February, claiming that Trump has worked to “preserve the integrity of fine arts” and address the institution’s $234 million budget.
Since its inauguration in 1971, the Kennedy Center has served as a central venue for artistic performances in the U.S. capital. It features seven stages and a diverse range of cultural programming. The bill also includes a condition that part of the $257 million in federal funding earmarked for the center would be withheld unless its opera house is renamed after former First Lady Melania Trump.
Legal and public responses
As of now, the Kennedy Center has not released an official statement. However, former president Deborah Rutter previously disputed similar claims about mismanagement, calling them “false allegations.”
A legal barrier may also complicate the renaming effort. Guidelines established in 1983 prohibit new commemorative names or plaques from being added to the center, potentially rendering the bill unenforceable even if passed.
The proposed changes have sparked public debate, with members of the Kennedy family voicing opposition on social media. The discussion highlights the symbolic value of the Kennedy Center and its historical connection to the U.S. presidency, underscoring how the arts continue to intersect with political discourse.
