Bernie Sanders is coming after Trump and it’s pathetic.
Sen. Bernie Sanders announced Friday that he plans to introduce new legislation aimed directly at President Donald Trump, following controversy surrounding the Kennedy Center’s recent renaming.
The Vermont independent said the bill would prohibit sitting presidents from naming federal buildings after themselves — a move he framed as a response to what he called excessive political self-promotion.
Posting on X, Sanders criticized Trump in blunt terms, accusing him of ego and arrogance while vowing to push legislation that would block any current president from attaching their own name to government property.
The remarks came after the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted unanimously to update the venue’s name to include President Trump alongside President John F. Kennedy.
By Friday morning, signage reflecting the change had already appeared at the building, with large letters spelling “Trump” visible outside the iconic Washington, D.C. landmark.
Democrats Cry Foul — Trump Allies Push Back
Democrats were quick to object. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries claimed the renaming was illegal and argued that congressional approval is required for any such change.
However, Kennedy Center interim president Richard Grenell rejected that claim, saying the board’s action does not interfere with the congressional memorial designation honoring President Kennedy.
“The memorial established by Congress remains untouched,” Grenell wrote, pushing back against accusations that the board overstepped its authority.
Kennedy Family Divided Over Trump Name
Several members of the Kennedy family publicly condemned the decision.
Kerry Kennedy argued that President Kennedy stood for values such as justice, equality, and compassion — and claimed President Trump represents the opposite. Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the center was created by federal law as a living tribute to President Kennedy.
Not everyone in the Kennedy orbit agreed.
Maria Shriver dismissed the outrage as another example of “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” the phrase commonly used by Trump supporters to describe what they view as obsessive hostility toward the former president.
Trump Fires Back, Takes Credit
President Trump, for his part, praised the Kennedy Center board members responsible for the vote, calling them “the most distinguished people in the country.”
Speaking to reporters, Trump defended his role in revitalizing the building.
“We saved the building,” Trump said. “It was in terrible shape — physically, financially, and in every other way. Now it’s strong, stable, and doing very well.”
What Happens Next
Sanders has not yet released the full text of his proposed legislation, and it remains unclear whether the bill would gain traction in Congress. Still, the episode highlights the deep political divide surrounding President Trump — and how even the naming of a national cultural institution can spark a major political showdown.