House Republicans have approved a measure to rename the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in honor of former First Lady Melania Trump, a move that has drawn criticism from Democrats and arts advocates.

The proposed change, introduced as part of a broader Interior Department spending bill, cleared the House Appropriations Committee in a 33 to 25 vote, largely along party lines. The measure must still be approved by the full House before it can take effect.

Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, who chairs the subcommittee overseeing the bill, framed the amendment as a tribute to Mrs. Trump’s support for the arts. He introduced the measure as part of a package that also included environmental funding provisions.

While first ladies traditionally serve as honorary chairs of the Kennedy Center, naming a major venue after one is highly unusual. The Opera House, which seats over 2,300 guests, is the second-largest theater in the complex and hosts the annual Kennedy Center Honors, one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural events.

Critics of the amendment argue that it reflects an ongoing effort by President Trump to exert control over the institution. Since returning to office, he has taken a direct interest in the Kennedy Center, naming himself chairman and removing key leadership figures, including former President Deborah Rutter and board chairman David Rubenstein, both of whom were appointed during the Biden administration.

Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine, the top Democrat on the appropriations subcommittee, questioned the intent behind the renaming effort. She described the move as part of a broader pattern of politicizing the institution, expressing concern about the lack of public input and the precedent it could set.

Naming rights at performing arts centers are typically reserved for major philanthropic contributions, often in the range of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. Some observers warn that renaming the Opera House without such a donation could jeopardize future fundraising opportunities.

The proposal comes amid broader cultural shifts at the Kennedy Center under the Trump administration. In February, the president criticized certain programming at the center, calling for the elimination of content he described as inappropriate or unpatriotic. The comment sparked backlash from the arts community and prompted demonstrations during subsequent performances, including the opening night of “Les Misérables,” which the Trumps attended.

In response, a group of Democratic senators hosted a pride concert at one of the center’s smaller venues, signaling resistance to the administration’s influence over programming decisions.

The renaming proposal is part of a larger funding bill recently signed by President Trump, informally dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by Republicans. The legislation includes over $250 million in funding for the Kennedy Center — an amount that far exceeds its typical federal allocation.

The full House is expected to consider the amendment in the coming weeks.