Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have proposed renaming the opera house at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington after First Lady Melania Trump, AFP reports.

The Republican-led Budget and Finance Committee approved an amendment linking future funding of the premier cultural institution to a name change, as part of the ongoing 2026 budget debates.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson, who introduced the proposal to name the venue the "First Lady Melania Trump Opera House," stated that it was “a wonderful way to recognize her support for and commitment to promoting the arts.”

The initiative represents yet another step in President Donald Trump’s effort to assert control over the Kennedy Center. In February, he dismissed members of its board of trustees, appointed himself as chairman, and placed his ally Richard Grenell at the helm of the institution.

Trump, who accused the center of being overly “woke,” also appointed his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, her deputy Dan Scavino, and Second Lady Usha Vance as trustees of the Kennedy Center.

In June, Trump was met with mixed reactions—both applause and boos—during the premiere of Les Misérables at the center.

Republicans are working actively to solidify Trump’s legacy during his second term, including through legislative proposals to rename Dulles International Airport after him.

Other initiatives include putting Trump’s image on the $100 bill in place of Benjamin Franklin, carving his likeness into Mount Rushmore, declaring a national holiday in his honor, and renaming the Washington Metro to “The Trump Train.”

The opera house renaming is part of a funding bill for the Department of the Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency for fiscal year 2026.

The new name for the 2,364-seat venue—the second largest in the complex—would take effect only if approved by both chambers of Congress.

Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate, but 60 votes are needed to pass the budget, giving Democrats the opportunity to strike the controversial proposal before the final vote. |BGNES