Kerry Kennedy and Maria Shriver have voiced strong criticism of former President Donald Trump following a controversial decision made by the board of trustees at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The board, filled with former Trump aides, voted on 15 September to keep the centre closed after a court ruling prohibited Trump’s name from being displayed on the building’s exterior.
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Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, expressed her dismay during an interview with CNN. She labelled the situation a “tragedy” and emphasised that the American people have a significant appreciation for the arts and for the Kennedy Center. “There’s not a financial issue here,” she stated, urging that the matter is fundamentally about political manoeuvring rather than genuine concern for the building’s maintenance.
On the same day, Trump defended the board’s decision via a post on Truth Social, claiming it was made for safety reasons. He asserted that the centre’s renovations cannot begin until the D.C. Circuit makes a ruling on the proposed name change, which would include Trump’s name alongside that of John F. Kennedy. The US Congress has allocated $257 million for necessary renovations at the venue.
The board’s composition includes several of Trump’s associates, such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and singer Lee Greenwood. In August, they had voted to add Trump’s name to the façade, intending to rename it “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump.” However, a federal judge ruled that any modifications to the centre’s name required Congressional approval, a decision that has now been issued twice.
Kerry Kennedy highlighted Trump’s previous comments about having “$250 million ready to hand over tomorrow,” suggesting he is using the building’s renovations as leverage for personal recognition. Responding to Trump’s assertion that he is uniquely positioned to save the Kennedy Center, she underscored the pressing national issues facing Americans today, such as rising living costs. “President Trump, please, focus on what’s more important, leave the Kennedy Center alone,” she implored.
Maria Shriver, the daughter of Eunice Kennedy and Sargent Shriver, also expressed her disbelief at Trump’s attitude, labelling it “narcissistic” and sad. She took to social media to express her frustration that a sitting president would obstruct renovations to a public building over a personal naming dispute. “Imagine spending your time focused on this, as everyday Americans struggle with healthcare, gas prices, rent, and food,” Shriver remarked, questioning Trump’s priorities amid ongoing social challenges.
During her CNN interview, Shriver reiterated that the discussion surrounding the availability of funds for renovations is a distraction; she referred to the situation as “a hostage taking by the president of the United States.” Her comments reflect a growing discontent regarding Trump’s focus on personal legacy rather than public service.
The Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who also holds an ex-officio position on the Kennedy Center board, echoed Kennedy and Shriver’s concerns. Beatty has been active in legal efforts to prevent Trump from adding his name to the building and stated that “the law is extremely clear: The John F. Kennedy Center is named for President Kennedy—and no one else.” Beatty condemned Trump’s actions as holding the centre “hostage” and remarked that the situation is both unlawful and unjust.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises broader questions regarding the appropriateness of personal branding in public spaces, especially those dedicated to revered figures in American history. The potential ramifications of this dispute may have lasting implications for the relationship between political legacies and public art institutions. Both Shriver and Kennedy’s calls for a focus on pressing national issues serve as a reminder of the expectations the public holds for their leaders amidst ongoing societal challenges.