Washington: US President Donald Trump has successfully orchestrated the renaming of Washington's renowned Kennedy Center to the "Trump-Kennedy Center," following a board vote announced by the White House on Thursday. This move comes after Trump appointed new board members and assumed the role of chairman earlier this year, aiming to reform institutions he criticized as overly progressive. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the decision has sparked backlash from the family of the late President John F. Kennedy, who expressed their disapproval, arguing that renaming the arts venue requires Congressional approval. Despite the board's unanimous decision, as claimed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, critics, including Kennedy's relatives, have voiced strong opposition. Trump described the renaming as an unexpected honor, though he had previously discussed the idea. Leavitt highlighted the board's respect for Trump's efforts in preserving the center, noting the renaming as a testament to his achievements. The Kennedy Center, a memorial to President Kennedy, opened in 1971, eight years after his assassination. The rebranding has been met with fierce resistance from the Kennedy family, including JFK's niece Maria Shriver, who criticized the move on social media. Former congressman Joe Kennedy III emphasized that the center serves as a living memorial to his great-uncle, questioning the legitimacy of the renaming. Despite claims of a unanimous vote, Democratic board member Joyce Beatty refuted this, stating she was silenced during the decision-making process. The renaming is part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape cultural institutions, which includes replacing Democratic appointees on the board and introducing personal branding initiatives. In recent public appearances, Trump has alluded to the name change, further asserting his influence over the center. His involvement has extended to overseeing renovations and presenting honors at the annual gala, a ceremony he previously avoided. The re naming of the Kennedy Center is seen as a significant marker of his expanding legacy in federal cultural spaces.
