Kennedy Center Quickly Adds Donald Trump to Living JFK Memorial
WASHINGTON (AP) – The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced on Friday that it had added former President Donald Trump’s name to the living memorial that Congress created to honor President John F. Kennedy, doing so just one day after the center’s board approved the change.
The Kennedy Center, a federally chartered institution that serves as a national cultural hub, was designated by Congress in 2012 as a living memorial to JFK, intended to preserve his legacy through support for the performing arts. The memorial typically recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture, diplomacy, or public service, and it is updated only after careful consideration by the Center’s board of trustees.
According to a statement released by the Kennedy Center, the addition of Trump’s name reflects the former president’s “notable involvement in promoting American arts and cultural exchange” during his administration. The decision was reportedly expedited after a brief internal review and a vote by the board, which cited recent initiatives that linked the White House to several high‑profile performances at the Center.
Reactions were mixed. Some cultural officials described the move as “a recognition of a broader spectrum of leadership that has supported the arts,” while others expressed concern that the addition could blur the memorial’s original purpose of honoring Kennedy’s distinct vision for cultural diplomacy. Industry analysts noted that such swift changes to memorial designations are uncommon and may set a precedent for future political considerations in cultural institutions.
Looking ahead, the Kennedy Center said it will continue to evaluate candidates for inclusion on the memorial based on established criteria, emphasizing a commitment to nonpartisan recognition of contributions to the arts. The Center’s leadership also indicated that it will engage with stakeholders to ensure that future additions reflect both historical significance and contemporary impact, aiming to preserve the integrity of the living memorial while adapting to evolving cultural landscapes.
