Judge says Kennedy Center board violated law putting Trump’s name on building, blocks closure
PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-29 14:46:00 — www.pbs.org
Federal Judge Rules Trump’s Name Added to Kennedy Center Illegally
In a significant ruling, a federal judge determined that President Donald Trump’s name was illegally added to the Kennedy Center, blocking the administration from closing the cultural and arts venue for major renovations. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, based in Washington, D.C., criticized the Kennedy Center board’s March 16 vote to close the facility as “ill-informed and seemingly preordained,” stating it showed a lack of regard for legal obligations.
Judge’s Findings on Closure and Name Addition
Judge Cooper emphasized that the board “overstepped its statutory bounds” by unilaterally adding Trump’s name to the center, noting that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the Kennedy Center, which was originally designated by legislative action.
Responses from the Kennedy Center
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, expressed confidence that the court’s decision would be overturned on appeal. She stated, “Though the reality remains — the Center requires an urgent and significant restoration – a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges.” Daravi highlighted that $257 million had been secured by Trump and approved by Congress for the restoration, asserting the commitment to restore the center as a national cultural landmark.
Concerns Over Preservation
Cooper held hearings in April for lawsuits challenging the renovation project, one of which was filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat and ex officio member of the Kennedy Center’s board. The judge ruled in favor of Beatty’s request while rejecting another challenge. Concerns were raised by plaintiffs about potential violations of preservation rules, particularly regarding Trump’s previous statements about “fully exposing” the building’s steel skeleton. Beatty expressed fears that unsupervised renovations could lead to significant changes similar to those made at the White House.
Trump’s Involvement with the Kennedy Center
Since returning to the White House, Trump has shown a keen interest in the Kennedy Center’s operations, installing a handpicked board that named him chairman. His name was added to the façade of the building, which serves as a living monument to President John F. Kennedy. Despite the impending closure, the Kennedy Center has continued to host performances, albeit at a reduced pace, with Trump attending events such as the premiere of the musical “Chicago.”
Conclusion
This ruling underscores the ongoing legal and political complexities surrounding Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center. As the case moves forward, the implications for cultural preservation and governance at federally funded institutions remain a critical point of discussion.