Bulwark Takes Trump Slaps His Name on the Kennedy Center
Dec 20, 2025
Hosts discuss the controversial renaming of the Kennedy Center to include Trump's name, a move seen as part of his broader strategy to affiliate with cultural institutions. They probe the legality of this action and question the validity of the unanimous vote by the board. The conversation highlights how this ties into historical themes of authoritarianism and cultural control. With humor, they speculate on what a Trump-centric Kennedy Center could entail and express concern over the lasting impact on institutional integrity.
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Renaming Breaks Legal Norms
- The Kennedy Center renaming highlights how the administration treats institutions as extensions of the president's brand.
- JVL emphasizes that legal names set by Congress can't be changed by theatrical publicity stunts.
Renaming Long Teased By Trump
- Catherine notes Trump has been teasing the renaming for months and clearly craves the honor.
- She highlights Caroline Leavitt's congratulatory post as evidence of the administration's enthusiasm.
Unanimous Vote—Member Says Muted
- JVL and Catherine point out the board's unanimous vote and suggest at least one member claimed their line was muted.
- They use that detail to imply the vote's legitimacy is questionable.