President Donald Trump’s assertive approach to presidential powers has extended to a cultural landmark in Washington, D.C., where his name has appeared alongside that of John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His chief of staff recently described Trump’s mindset as one where "there’s nothing he can’t do," a view clearly reflected in the controversial renaming of the iconic center.
This decision is emblematic of Trump’s broader governance style, characterized by a bulldozer mentality that often sidelines established laws and norms. For instance, his administration has repeatedly pushed to dismantle federal agencies and ignore congressional legislation, asserting executive authority with minimal regard for legal constraints. Some actions include attempts to end foreign aid, shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and even reconsider presidential term limits despite constitutional provisions.
Controversy and Legal Questions
The renaming was supposedly approved by a “unanimous” vote of the Kennedy Center’s board. However, this claim has been challenged by Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat member of the board, who reported being muted and prevented from speaking during the meeting. Early in his presidency, Trump replaced board members with allies who then installed him as chairman, facilitating such decisions.
Legally, the US code explicitly maintains the Kennedy Center as a "living memorial" to John F. Kennedy, with no provision allowing the board to rename it. A 1983 congressional law, signed by President Reagan, prohibits new memorials at the site without Congress’s approval and Smithsonian oversight. Although adding Trump’s name is not technically a memorial, it raises questions about the legality of the move. Kennedy family members, including JFK’s grandson and an HHS Secretary also named Robert F. Kennedy, have expressed mixed reactions, with potential lawsuits anticipated.
Broader Implications for Executive Power
This renaming reflects a larger trend towards an expansive executive power that defies traditional checks and balances. Conservative control of Congress and the Supreme Court has allowed Trump to act with few institutional constraints. Legal experts note that the ‘unitary executive’ theory, which supports such presidential dominance, is increasingly accepted in courts, solidifying Trump’s approach.
Should Congress fail to reassert its authority, such unilateral actions by the executive may set precedents for future administrations. The unresolved question remains whether subsequent presidents will remove Trump’s name or continue this aggressive redefinition of executive prerogatives in shaping national symbols and institutions.
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