Democratic board member muted during Kennedy Center vote sues to remove Trump's name

December 24, 2025

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit challenging the recent renaming of the Kennedy Center to the Trump-Kennedy Center, arguing that such a change requires congressional approval rather than just a board vote. The Kennedy Center's board, which President Trump had packed with his allies after firing previous members, unanimously approved the name change last week. Beatty claims she was muted during the board meeting when attempting to voice her opposition to the decision.

Who is affected

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty (plaintiff in the lawsuit)
President Donald Trump and his appointed allies on the Kennedy Center board
Members of the Kennedy family, including Joe Kennedy III
Democratic lawmakers designated as board members by US law
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and its visitors
Washington DC residents who view the center as an iconic landmark

What action is being taken

Joyce Beatty has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Trump's name from the Kennedy Center
The president's name has been added to the exterior of the building
The center's website logo now displays "The Trump Kennedy Center"

Why it matters

This matters because it raises fundamental questions about the legal authority to rename federally designated memorials and the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. The Kennedy Center was established by Congress as a living memorial to President Kennedy following his assassination, making it a significant national institution with historical and cultural importance. The controversy highlights concerns about potential overreach of presidential power and the preservation of memorials created through federal law, as opponents argue the renaming disrespects both Kennedy's legacy and proper governmental procedures.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC