Donald Trump has renamed the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, despite critics noting that an act of Congress is required to change the name. The move came after Trump ousted board members appointed by former president Joe Biden, took over as chair, and installed ally Ric Grenell as president.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island and an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board, is leading an investigation into allegations of cronyism, financial mismanagement, and corruption at the centre. Democrats on the Senate environment and public works committee claim documents suggest the centre is being used as a “slush fund and private club for Trump’s friends and political allies”, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
The investigation centres on claims of preferential access and financial benefits for organisations connected to the Trump administration. A contract shows Grenell granted Fifa free and exclusive use of the entire Kennedy Center campus for the World Cup draw from 24 November to 12 December. Senator Whitehouse estimates this cost the centre over $5 million in losses from rental fees, rescheduled programming, and other services.
Grenell rejected the accusations, stating that Fifa provided several million dollars and paid all expenses for the event. He accused Whitehouse of “partisan attacks and false accusations” and claimed previous leadership left the centre in “financial chaos”. Whitehouse remains undeterred, asserting that the centre has been “looted” for personal benefit and to create a “Maga party atmosphere”. Kennedy family members condemned the name change as “beyond wild”.
