‘First Lady Melania Trump Opera House’ proposed as new name for John F. Kennedy Centre opera house

Kimberley Braddish
The Nightly
House Republicans have voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Centre opera house after First Lady Melania Trump.
House Republicans have voted to rename the John F. Kennedy Centre opera house after First Lady Melania Trump. Credit: Carlos Barria/REUTERS

House Republicans have voted to rename the opera house at Washington’s John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in honour of First Lady Melania Trump.

The newly proposed name, the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House, was included as an amendment to a spending bill for the Interior Department.

The House Appropriations Committee adopted the amendment by a 33-25 vote.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

The move comes after lawmakers approved $US256.7 million ($AU390m) for improvements to the Kennedy Centre, highlighting the growing influence of US President Donald Trump over the institution.

Since taking office, Mr Trump fired several Kennedy Centre board members and appointed himself chairman.

During a tour of the facility in March 2025, he pledged to “make it great again”.

“I’m very disappointed when I look around. The bottom line: It has tremendous potential,” Mr Trump said.

While the change has passed this committee vote, the name switch for the 2364-seat opera house still faces hurdles as it must be approved by both the full House and the Senate before becoming official.

With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats but needing 60 votes to pass spending bills, the measure’s future remains uncertain.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who introduced the amendment, said renaming the venue is an “excellent way to recognise her support and commitment to promoting the arts”.

Critics argue the proposal is a politicised gesture inserted into essential funding legislation.

The Kennedy Centre has yet to comment on the renaming initiative, which is part of broader efforts by Republicans to cement US President Donald Trump’s legacy through symbolic moves, including attempts to rename Dulles International Airport and place Trump’s likeness on Mount Rushmore.

Comments

Latest Edition

The Nightly cover for 14-08-2025

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 14 August 202514 August 2025

The battle of Shah Wali Kot is one of the greatest chapters in Australian modern warfare. It’s also unlikely to ever be repeated.