President Donald Trump has revealed plans for new marble armrests at the renamed Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, igniting a wave of reactions from lawmakers and the public. Trump posted images of the proposed armrests on Truth Social, declaring them to be “unlike anything ever done or seen before.” This announcement comes in the wake of the Kennedy Center board’s decision to rename the venue, a move that has drawn both praise and significant backlash.
The board’s vote to rename the center occurred recently, following a series of changes implemented by Trump since he took office in January. These changes included the replacement of several board members and Trump’s appointment as chair. The controversial name change has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty from Ohio, a former board member. Beatty’s lawsuit argues that the renaming violates federal law, as only Congress has the authority to modify the name of the center established by statute.
“The Board’s purported renaming of the Kennedy Center violates federal law,” the lawsuit asserts. “By statute, Congress has named the center as ‘the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.’ Under our constitutional system, only Congress can modify a statute, and Congress must do so by enacting a new statute.” The suit further claims that the defendants are “willfully flouting the law to satisfy Defendant Trump’s vanity.”
In response to the renaming, some artists and performers have expressed their discontent. One notable incident involved the cancellation of a Christmas Eve jazz concert at the Kennedy Center after Trump’s name was added to the venue. Critics argue that the move undermines the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, for whom the center is named.
Alongside the announcement of the armrests, Trump shared images of the renovated Palm Room at the White House, suggesting that the design for the Kennedy Center reflects a broader vision for cultural spaces under his administration. The new armrests, made of black and white marble, aim to blend elegance with functionality, presenting a striking visual centerpiece for the venue’s seating.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, known for its significant contributions to American culture, is located in Washington, D.C. The center has been a platform for numerous artistic endeavors, ranging from theatrical performances to musical concerts, making it a pivotal institution in the arts community.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the legal challenges will impact the future of the Kennedy Center and its newly branded identity. The center, typically illuminated in red, white, and blue, has been a symbol of national pride, and the ongoing controversy surrounding its name may shape its legacy for years to come.
