On 22/7, Idaho Representative Mike Simpson proposed an amendment to rename the Kennedy Center Opera House to the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House. This amendment was added to a federal spending bill during a House Appropriations Committee session for the 2026 fiscal year.
"This is a fitting way to recognize Melania Trump's support for and commitment to promoting the arts," Simpson said. "I encourage members to vote for this Republican proposal."
The committee approved the proposal with a vote of 35 to 22. For the bill to become law, it needs to pass the full House and Senate.
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend a performance of "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on 11/6. Photo: AP |
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend a performance of "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on 11/6. Photo: AP
Melania Trump currently serves as the honorary chair of the Kennedy Center's board, a position traditionally held by first ladies. Her spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Since its opening in 1971, the Kennedy Center has attracted art enthusiasts of all political persuasions. The center's board members were typically divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats until February. At that time, President Donald Trump dismissed board members appointed by former President Joe Biden and replaced them with his own choices. These members subsequently elected Trump as the Kennedy Center's board chairman.
If the bill passes, renaming the theater after Melania Trump would further blur the lines between the Kennedy Center and the Trump administration. Four large portraits of the Trumps and Vice President JD Vance are currently displayed in the Center's Hall of Nations.
The bill under consideration would allocate $37 million to the Kennedy Center, a 17% decrease from last year and in line with President Trump's budget proposal.
However, Democratic Representative Chellie Pingree pointed out that, in addition to the $37 million, the Kennedy Center received $250 million from the Omnibus Budget Bill of Beautiful America (OBBBA), signed into law by Trump on 4/7.
"Republicans have now given the President six times the normal amount to run the Kennedy Center, giving him complete control over who sits on the board, as well as how to name parts of the Kennedy Center, perhaps the entire Kennedy Center," Pingree said. "This proposal is evidence of that."
The Center's three main stages—the Eisenhower Theater, the Opera House, and the Concert Hall—have never been renamed. The 2,364-seat Opera House is generally considered the Center's most prominent space, hosting the annual Kennedy Center Honors, which recognizes American artists for their significant contributions to culture.
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The Kennedy Center from a distance. Photo: ABC |
The Kennedy Center from a distance. Photo: ABC
In May, Republican Representative Greg Steube proposed withholding funding from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unless it was renamed the Washington Metropolitan Area Greater Authority (WMAGA). This acronym closely resembles Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan. Steube also proposed renaming the D.C. Metro system the Trump Train.
Other lawmakers have suggested carving Trump's likeness onto Mount Rushmore, putting his image on currency, renaming Washington Dulles International Airport after him, and making his birthday a national holiday.
"These proposals are unprecedented and excessive," John White, professor emeritus of political science at Catholic University, said in May. "History shows that most things are usually named after presidents long after they've left office or have passed away."
Hong Hanh (CNN/Washington Post)
