A House panel voted Tuesday to rename a cultural landmark after First Lady Melania Trump.
The House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment to the fiscal 2026 Interior-Environment spending bill that would redesignate the Kennedy Center’s Opera House as the “First Lady Melania Trump Opera House.” The amendment, introduced by Rep. Mike Simpson of Idaho, passed on a party-line vote of 33-25.
The proposal still requires approval from the full House and Senate before it can become law. As of Tuesday, House leadership had not set a timeline for bringing the bill to the floor for a vote. August recess starts July 24, and the House won’t reconvene until Sept. 2.
Supporters of the renaming effort described it as a recognition of Melania Trump’s contributions to the arts and culture during her tenure as First Lady. Mrs. Trump championed American heritage and oversaw major White House restoration projects, making this designation a fitting tribute, Simpson said during the committee markup.
Democrats swiftly criticized the move as politically motivated. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the ranking member on the subcommittee, called the amendment “divisive” and questioned the wisdom of using a government funding bill to rename a cultural institution. It’s not a priority for the American people, Pingree said.
The Kennedy Center Opera House, named in honor of President John F. Kennedy, a Democrat, has borne its current name since the performing arts complex opened in 1971.
Liberals are going to lose their collective minds. It will be uncontrollable. We could see violent and arsonistic but “mostly peaceful” protests. Many will never walk into the facility again. It will be glorious.