Kennedy Center Faces Legal Battle Over Name Change

WASHINGTON — A significant legal debate has unfolded around the Kennedy Center’s name. President Donald Trump’s appointed board at the Kennedy Center attempts to prevent the removal of his name from the iconic performing arts facility’s facade. This effort comes just before a court-ordered deadline.

On Thursday, the board voted to request a stay of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s May 29 ruling. Cooper’s decision declared that Trump’s name had been illegally added to the Kennedy Center. A person familiar with the board’s decision disclosed these details under anonymity. The formal request was filed late Thursday.

Judge Cooper ruled that Congress is the only body authorized to alter the Kennedy Center’s name. He mandated that any references to Trump be removed by Friday. Additionally, he prohibited the administration from closing the venue for major renovations planned for July, meant to span two years.

Earlier, a June 4 memo from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel indicated that all communications must reference the center as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center.” The center’s website has since omitted Trump’s name. An email sent to members promoting ticket sales for the June 28 Mark Twain Award ceremony also did not feature Trump’s name.

The Trump administration’s last-minute attempt after nearly two weeks reflects desperation, stated Norm Eisen, a board member at Democracy Defenders Action, along with Nathaniel Zelinsky, senior counsel at the Washington Litigation Group. They lack legal grounds. We will strongly oppose this tactic, as we have throughout the case representing Congresswoman Beatty and the public.

Eisen and Zelinsky represent Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, an ex-officio board member of the Kennedy Center, who initiated the lawsuit to remove Trump’s name.

During his second term, Trump has wielded significant influence over the Kennedy Center. A few months into his renewed presidency, he replaced the center’s leadership with his chosen board of trustees and appointed them to key positions. Under this new leadership, the center hosted Trump-aligned programs, including the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.” The board later announced the renaming of the venue to the Trump Kennedy Center, a change argued by scholars and lawmakers to require Congressional approval. They had even physically added Trump’s name to the building’s facade.

This decision faced immediate backlash from the arts community. Prominent figures like actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled appearances. Consultants, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, resigned. Furthermore, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, recently left to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

In their recent meeting, the board supported a resolution acknowledging Trump’s “commitment to uphold this cherished American institution.”