Washington D.C. House Republicans have advanced a proposal to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Opera House as the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.” The measure, introduced by Representative Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), passed the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday with a 33-25 vote as an amendment to a spending bill for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies.
The initiative seeks to honor Melania Trump's "support and commitment to promoting the arts and humanities," according to Rep. Simpson. The First Lady currently serves as the honorary chair of the Kennedy Center board, a traditional role for presidential spouses. The Opera House, a prominent venue within the Kennedy Center, seats 2,364 patrons and is known for hosting events such as the annual Kennedy Center Honors.
This proposal follows President Donald Trump's increased influence over the Kennedy Center, which includes his self-appointment as chairman of its board and the replacement of board members appointed during the previous administration. Critics, such as Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), have described the amendment as "divisive" and "snuck in," raising concerns about the politicization of the traditionally bipartisan arts institution. The Kennedy Center has also seen significant federal funding, with $257 million allocated for repairs and maintenance under a Trump-backed bill.
The renaming effort is part of a broader trend of the current administration asserting its brand on national institutions. While the amendment has cleared the committee stage, it still requires approval from the full House and the Senate to become law. The Kennedy Center's major stages, including the Opera House, have historically retained their original names, making this a notable deviation.