The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., has made significant changes to its governance structure by revising its bylaws to restrict voting rights to board members appointed by former President Donald Trump. This alteration, enacted in May, excludes ex officio members—who are appointed by Congress—from participating in votes or contributing to a quorum. Legal experts have raised concerns that this change may violate the center's charter, which was designed to ensure a diverse governance structure.

On December 18, the center's board voted to rename the institution to "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." This decision has been met with widespread criticism, leading to concert cancellations by various artists and legal challenges from members of Congress. Representative Joyce Beatty has initiated a lawsuit arguing that the name change requires congressional approval, as the center was established as a memorial to President Kennedy.

The Kennedy Center's board consists of 34 members appointed by the president and 23 ex officio members, including prominent figures such as the mayor of Washington, D.C., and congressional leaders. Following Trump's return to office, he has made significant changes at the center, including the appointment of a new interim executive director and the replacement of existing board members with his supporters, such as Ric Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador.

Roma Daravi, the center's vice-president for public relations, defended the bylaw changes, stating that ex officio members had never voted in the past and that the revisions were communicated to all members prior to the board meeting. However, critics, including members of the Kennedy family, have expressed concerns about the legality of the name change and the exclusion of dissenting voices during the decision-making process.

Despite Trump's efforts to elevate the center's profile, viewership for the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors has reportedly declined by 25% compared to the previous year, averaging 3.01 million viewers. This drop in audience engagement may reflect broader public sentiment regarding the center's new direction. Following the name change announcement, several artists, including jazz musician Chuck Redd and the New York City dance company Doug Varone and Dancers, canceled their performances, citing both financial and ethical considerations.

The ongoing developments at the Kennedy Center highlight the complex interplay between political influence and cultural institutions, raising questions about the implications for artistic expression and public engagement in the arts.