Will Melania Trump’s name replace the John F. Kennedy Center Opera House?

In an unexpected move, House Republicans are pushing forward a proposal to rename the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in honor of First Lady Melania Trump.

The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday approved an amendment (by a vote of 33-25) to the annual interior and environment spending bill that would change the name of the iconic venue to the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.

The amendment was introduced by Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican from Idaho. The proposed rebranding is part of a broader Republican effort to leave a more permanent Trump mark on American landmarks. 

This comes just months after President Donald Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership, firing board members appointed by President Joe Biden and naming himself chair, attracting criticism, as traditionally, the president does not serve as board chair.

© Anna Moneymaker

While the Kennedy Center has long prided itself on maintaining bipartisan support and programming, Trump broke the precedent and caused mixed reactions from many Americans. 

© The Washington Post

“Over the years, the Opera House has welcomed dozens of the world’s great dance and opera companies and has hosted some of the most important artistic events of the last quarter century,” the Kennedy Center notes on its website. 

© Win McNamee

With more than 2,300 seats, it is the second-largest theater in the facility and often serves as the venue for major performances. Melania Trump, who serves as the honorary chair of the Kennedy Center, would be the first modern First Lady to have her name affixed to one of its major venues. 

Melania made headlines last month when she and President Trump attended opening night of ‘Les Misérables’ at the Kennedy Center, marking a rare public appearance together at the institution. 

© Kayla Bartkowski

However, they declined to participate in the Kennedy Center Honors during his first term in office, breaking a long-standing tradition of presidential support for the arts.

Neither the Kennedy Center nor the First Lady’s office responded to requests for comment on the potential renaming.