Shock move to rename famed Kennedy Centre after Melania
The newly proposed name, the First Lady Melania Trump Opera House, was included as an amendment to a spending bill for the Interior Department.
The House Appropriations Committee adopted the amendment by a 33-25 vote.
The move comes after lawmakers approved $US256.7 million ($AU390m) for improvements to the Kennedy Centre, highlighting the growing influence of US President Donald Trump over the institution.
Since taking office, Mr Trump fired several Kennedy Centre board members and appointed himself chairman.
During a tour of the facility in March 2025, he pledged to 'make it great again'.
'I'm very disappointed when I look around. The bottom line: It has tremendous potential,' Mr Trump said.
While the change has passed this committee vote, the name switch for the 2364-seat opera house still faces hurdles as it must be approved by both the full House and the Senate before becoming official.
With Republicans holding 53 Senate seats but needing 60 votes to pass spending bills, the measure's future remains uncertain.
Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who introduced the amendment, said renaming the venue is an 'excellent way to recognise her support and commitment to promoting the arts'.
Critics argue the proposal is a politicised gesture inserted into essential funding legislation.
The Kennedy Centre has yet to comment on the renaming initiative, which is part of broader efforts by Republicans to cement US President Donald Trump's legacy through symbolic moves, including attempts to rename Dulles International Airport and place Trump's likeness on Mount Rushmore.
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