The Kennedy Center Opera House is set for a controversial name change after the House Appropriations Committee voted Tuesday to rename it the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.”
The amendment, introduced by Rep. Mike Simpson (R‑ID) and approved in a 33–28 vote, was attached to the fiscal year 2026 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which funds the federally owned performing arts center.
“First Lady Melania Trump serves as the Honorary Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Kennedy Center,” Simpson said. “Naming a theater after her is an excellent way to recognize her appreciation for the arts.”
This would be the first time a Kennedy Center theater carries the name of a Trump family member, symbolizing what supporters describe as the venue’s transformation under President Donald Trump’s influence.
In recent months, the Kennedy Center has undergone sweeping changes backed by the Trump administration. Those include canceling drag events aimed at children, dismantling the center’s “Social Impact” department, removing former president Deborah Rutter, and expanding Christian-themed programming, such as a sold‑out screening of The King of Kings from Angel Studios.
“This is family-friendly programming that we will be doing more of in the future,” said Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell. “The American people want to see more shows that reflect their values.”
The move has drawn fierce backlash from Democrats and members of the arts community. Broadway star Patti LuPone told The New Yorker the “Trumpified” Kennedy Center “should get blown up.” Hamilton creator Lin‑Manuel Miranda and producer Jeffrey Seller withdrew their production from the venue, and drag performers recently staged a protest during the First Family’s attendance at Les Misérables.
Asked about the protests and boycotts, Trump dismissed them outright: “I couldn’t care less. All I do is run the country well.”
The measure now advances to the full House, setting up what is expected to be a heated debate over the Kennedy Center’s future — and whether the renaming will survive a likely fight in the Senate.
