President Donald Trump has once again advanced in his attempt to transform and renew the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, after a decision by the board of trustees of the complex approved a new strategy to reincorporate a reference to the president on the facade of the iconic building.
The board of trustees reportedly voted on Thursday in favor of placing the inscription ''Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump'' below the main name of the Kennedy Center.
This measure represents a new attempt by Trump to leave his mark on a cultural institution that, for decades, has been closely linked to Washington's political tradition. Since his return to the White House in January 2025, the president has pushed for changes aimed at reforming federal and cultural institutions in need of renewal.
The board of directors of the Kennedy Center approved the reinstatement of Donald Trump's name to the historic cultural center
The new plan, however, could face legal obstacles again. In May, a federal judge had ordered the removal of Trump's name from the facade of the Kennedy Center, considering that any modification of the official name of the complex required a presumed decision from Congress. It is still unclear how the new inscription approved by the board would fit into that judicial ruling.
In June, the center's executive director, Matt Floca, had reported that all physical signs on the building and its grounds that included Trump's name had been removed. However, a banner continued to cover part of the facade, fueling speculation about the changes that would ultimately be made.
In addition to the new inscription, the board approved the closure of the main building for approximately two years to carry out an ambitious renovation program. The renovations will focus on heating and cooling systems, electrical installations, and fire safety mechanisms.
The project aims to modernize the infrastructure of one of the main cultural centers in the United States. The renovation is expected to be completed by the summer of 2028. A judge had previously blocked the closure plan, although he left open the possibility of reconsidering it after further review.
Matt Floca was appointed as the executive director of the Kennedy Center by President Trump, and in June he announced the removal of all references to the president at the request of the U.S. justice system
The initiative comes after the Kennedy Center board initially voted in December to change the name of the complex to ''Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts''. Subsequently, Trump's name was placed in large letters on the facade, above the name of former President John F. Kennedy.
The changes are part of a broader strategy by Trump to leave a visible mark on public institutions and official buildings in Washington. During his second term, his name and image have appeared in various government spaces, while other institutions have been renamed or modified.
Among the examples is the former United States Institute of Peace, which was renamed after Trump, in addition to large banners with his image installed in front of the Departments of Justice and Agriculture. Even a limited edition of the U.S. passport incorporated his image, while an airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, was also named in his honor.
Trump announced a historic renovation of the cultural center, which is projected to be completed in 2028
