UPDATE: Kerry Kennedy, sister of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced her intention to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., using a pickaxe. This bold declaration comes just hours after the arts institution’s board officially renamed the center, now titled “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
In a post shared on X Friday, July 14, 2023, Kennedy expressed her frustration and determination to act: “Three years and one month from today, I’m going to grab a pickax and pull those letters off that building, but I’m going to need help holding the ladder. Are you in?” This controversial name change has sparked outrage from the Kennedy family and many others, raising questions about its legality.
The board’s decision to rename the center, originally dedicated to President John F. Kennedy, has faced immediate backlash. The legality of this decision is under scrutiny, as Congress designated the institution as a memorial to JFK in 1964, following his assassination. Critics argue that the board’s actions could undermine the integrity of the memorial.
Maria Shriver, niece of the late President Kennedy, voiced her shock over the renaming, stating, “Some things leave you speechless, and enraged, and in a state of disbelief.” She further condemned the move, expressing disbelief that a sitting president would seek to have his name placed alongside that of JFK, calling it “undignified, and unfunny.”
In a subsequent post, Shriver remarked, “It is beyond wild that he would think adding his name in front of President Kennedy’s name is acceptable. Next thing perhaps he will want to rename JFK Airport, the Trump Lincoln Memorial, or the Trump Smithsonian. The list goes on.” Her comments resonate with many Americans who feel similarly about the name change.
Joe Kennedy III also weighed in, stating firmly that the Kennedy Center is a living memorial that cannot be renamed. “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial,” he asserted. This sentiment reflects a broader concern that the renaming undermines the historical significance of the institution.
The announcement of the name change was made public on the center’s social media channels, further intensifying the public outcry. As discussions about the future of the Kennedy Center unfold, Kennedy’s plan to take action in the future highlights the deep emotional ties many have to this historic site.
As the situation develops, observers are left to ponder the implications of this name change and what it signifies for American cultural institutions. The ongoing debate is sure to fuel conversations across social media platforms, with many sharing their perspectives on this contentious issue.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and for more breaking news, follow our coverage here.
