Senator Chris Van Hollen has publicly denounced the Kennedy Center’s renaming to include President Donald Trump, calling the move a “desecration” and vowing to reverse it. The senator intends to introduce an amendment to the interior appropriations bill when Congress reconvenes, aiming to remove Trump’s name from the center. This follows the addition of Trump’s name by the Kennedy Center’s board, sparking criticism from Democrats and Kennedy family members. Critics argue the board’s action is unauthorized and that Trump doesn’t support the arts.
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In a move drawing sharp criticism, the board of the Kennedy Center voted to rename the performing arts center as the Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. This decision, spearheaded by President Trump, who chairs the board, sparked outrage from Democrats who argue the board overstepped its legal authority. Despite the controversy, the board swiftly updated the center’s branding online to reflect the new name. The change has also drawn the ire of Kennedy family members, and has caused concern with some performers and subscription holders.
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In response to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s claim of a unanimous board vote, Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board, has accused the White House of misrepresentation. Beatty stated she was muted during a call where she intended to voice opposition to renaming the center after President Donald Trump. Beatty asserted that the renaming was not on the agenda and that she was censored, calling the alleged unanimous vote a false depiction of the situation. Critics of the proposed name change have also noted that the move may violate a federal law preventing additional memorials within the center, which was dedicated as a memorial to the late President John F. Kennedy.
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On August 13, 2025, during the Kennedy Center Honors nominations, the White House announced the Kennedy Center would be renamed the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” This decision, made by a board appointed by President Trump, was attributed to Trump’s efforts in “saving the building,” despite reports of declining ticket sales and staffing. However, the renaming may face legal challenges due to U.S. code restrictions on memorial installations, which would require Congressional approval. This move follows Trump’s previous actions, including removing existing board members, signaling the change, and utilizing the center for various events throughout the year.
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The U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent think tank, has been renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace by the Trump administration, with the president’s name prominently displayed. This rebranding, intended to honor Trump’s dealmaking abilities, has sparked legal battles over the agency’s control. Amidst these disputes, the institute has faced significant funding cuts and staff reductions, with a final court ruling on its future pending. Critics have condemned the renaming as ironic, given the administration’s actions and potential impact on the organization’s mission.
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The Trump administration moves forward on plans to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War, a move that, to put it mildly, has sparked a lot of reactions. It’s a change that, at face value, seems to be a straightforward renaming, but the implications and the context surrounding it are, let’s just say, complicated.
First off, the practicalities of such a change are pretty significant. Think about all the signage, the stationery, the websites, the official documents – everything would need to be updated. It’s going to be a costly undertaking, and as some have pointed out, those costs will likely be borne by taxpayers.… Continue reading
President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to rename the Department of Defense back to the Department of War, as it was known before 1949. Trump cited a preference for the historical connotations and a perceived emphasis on offense. The renaming idea, previously considered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was discussed during an Oval Office event and a formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks. Critics suggest that the change could alter perceptions of the department’s role, particularly in domestic missions.
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Proposals to rename the Kennedy Center and its opera house after President Trump and Melania Trump face legal challenges, as the center’s founding legislation prohibits renaming facilities beyond the Eisenhower Theater. A Republican amendment to rename the opera house after Melania Trump has been proposed, but would require congressional approval to become law. The former president has shown increased interest in the arts, including ordering different programming and installing portraits of himself and the first lady. Trump’s actions also included replacing the board, and removing all references to diversity, equity and inclusion from the Kennedy Center’s website.
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Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, strongly opposes the renaming of US military bases that honored Confederate generals, calling the effort a politically motivated attack on military tradition. He has repeatedly stated his intention to reverse the name changes, a move requiring congressional approval. Hegseth’s views align with Trump’s, who also vehemently opposed the renaming. This stance is part of a broader rejection by incoming Trump officials of what they see as overly progressive cultural policies within the military.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood