• Debate erupts over comparing Kennedy Center renaming to George Floyd-era name changes
• Champion accuses Trump of mental instability while defending 2020 racial reckoning
• Federal law establishes Kennedy Center name, making board vote potentially illegal

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — CNN panelists Cari Champion and Brianna Lyman launched into a heated debate Saturday over President Donald Trump adding his name to the Kennedy Center.

Federalist Correspondent Invokes George Floyd

On CNN’s Saturday Table for Five, Lyman, elections correspondent for The Federalist, dismissed outrage over the Kennedy Center name change, arguing Democrats were fine with things being named after George Floyd in 2020.

Lyman pointed to Wikipedia’s list of name changes due to the George Floyd protests, calling it the longest Wikipedia page she has ever seen. The board of the Kennedy Center, which Trump chairs, voted this week to add his name. Critics have pointed out that the name was established by federal law and would need an act of Congress to change.

LMFAO! CNN panel ERUPTS after Scott Jennings defends President Trump putting his name on the Kennedy Center

“They’re drilling HOLES into the pristine white walls of the Kennedy Center!” pic.twitter.com/8HYHpQkFiX

— Viola Bergeron WILL NOT COMPLY!!!! (@StarSeed_2020) December 20, 2025

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Lyman also argued the Kennedy Center had fallen into disrepair before Trump took over. She claimed the venue has been renovated under President Richard Grenell, who cut staff and mandated break-even policies for performances.

“I think it’s really disingenuous for the Kennedys and for anyone to sit here and pretend like they care so much about the Kennedy Center.”

Champion Fires Back on Race and History

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Champion pushed back on equating Floyd and Trump, stopping Lyman multiple times from interrupting. The podcaster explained that 2020 represented a broader racial reckoning rather than simply honoring one individual.

Champion noted that Confederate monuments removed during that period honored slave owners portrayed as heroes. When Lyman interjected to mention Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, Champion continued her point about marginalized people who could not speak for themselves.

Lyman countered that being a slave owner was not the only thing about Jefferson. Champion responded that she speaks freely as a free Black woman.

‘You’re the Problem and Not the Solution’

The exchange escalated when Champion accused her fellow panelist of normalizing dangerous behavior.

“The fact that Trump is putting his name on every single thing and you want to normalize it like it’s normal tells me that you’re the problem and not the solution,” Champion said. “This man’s mental acuity is off. He clearly is unstable and no one’s talking about it.”

Champion referenced Maria Shriver’s recent criticism. President John F. Kennedy’s niece called the decision “beyond comprehension” and accused Trump of disrespecting the memorial honoring her uncle.

Legal Questions Surround Board Vote

The controversy comes amid serious legal questions about whether the board had authority to rename the institution. Congress designated the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to JFK in 1964 legislation.

Georgetown Law professor David Super told CNN there is no way the board can do this legally. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the board has no authority to rename the center without legislative action.

Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH), an ex-officio board member, disputed claims the vote was unanimous. She said she was repeatedly muted when attempting to voice opposition.

Kennedy Family Condemns Decision

Multiple Kennedy family members have spoken out. Former Representative Joe Kennedy III said the center is named by federal law and cannot be renamed any more than someone could rename the Lincoln Memorial.

Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson currently running for Congress, suggested the move was motivated by his campaign.

Champion concluded the segment by warning Americans cannot normalize such behavior.

“What Maria Shriver was suggesting was like, this isn’t funny anymore. You can’t normalize this behavior. And if we keep continuing to look away, we will find ourselves in a state of disrepair that we cannot come back from.”

Will Congress take action to reverse the Kennedy Center name change, or will the legal challenge remain unresolved?

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