Outside The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a man wheels a garbage bin on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Washington. The center faces a significant court ruling regarding its name.
President Donald Trump’s appointed board at the Kennedy Center is taking urgent steps to retain his name on the center’s facade. A court ordered the removal by Friday.
On Thursday, the board decided to seek a pause of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling from May 29. The ruling stated that only Congress could authorize a change to the center’s name. The board’s formal request was filed late that evening.
Judge Cooper mandated the removal of Trump’s name, stating it was added illegally. He also blocked planned major renovations at the center that were to commence in July, lasting two years.
The board’s decision contrasts with an earlier directive from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel. A June 4 memo instructed staff to adhere to using “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” in official documents. The center’s website no longer features Trump’s name, and it was absent in recent communications about the Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony on June 28.
“The Trump administration’s move at the last moment shows desperation,” stated Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action, with Nathaniel Zelinsky of the Washington Litigation Group. They represent Rep. Joyce Beatty, who initiated the lawsuit to remove Trump’s name.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, representing Ohio and an ex-officio Kennedy Center board member, filed the legal action.
After largely ignoring the Kennedy Center in his first term, Trump significantly influenced it during his second. He replaced the previous leadership with his chosen board, appointing himself chairman. Richard Grenell served as president until March, when Matt Floca took the role. The center has hosted events favoring Trump, such as the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary.
The board announced renaming the facility to Trump Kennedy Center and added his name to the building. However, scholars and lawmakers insist Congress must authorize such changes. This move prompted swift backlash from the arts community.
Many prominent figures withdrew from events. These include actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny. Consultants like musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Additionally, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, left to join a Los Angeles-based arts center.
During Thursday’s meeting, the board also passed a resolution acknowledging Trump’s role in upholding the center.