Rep. Joyce Beatty Sues To Remove Trump’s Name From Kennedy Center

December 29, 2025

Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty from Ohio has filed a lawsuit challenging the Kennedy Center board's decision to add President Trump's name to the performing arts facility. Beatty, who serves as an ex officio trustee, contends that federal law grants only Congress the authority to rename or add memorial designations to the federally governed institution. The controversy emerged after the board voted to include Trump's name and quickly installed new signage, with Beatty claiming she was muted when trying to voice her objection during the meeting.

Who is affected

Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), ex officio trustee of the Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump
The Kennedy Center board of trustees
Congress
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as an institution

What action is being taken

Rep. Joyce Beatty is filing/has filed a lawsuit challenging the name addition
Trump is publicly defending the move to rename the building
New signage bearing Trump's name has been installed at the Kennedy Center

Why it matters

This case raises significant constitutional questions about the separation of powers and whether federal institutions can bypass Congressional authority. The dispute centers on whether a federally governed performing arts center's board can unilaterally add memorial designations when federal law since 1983 has prohibited additional memorials in public areas and when Congress holds the statutory authority to rename the facility. The outcome could set precedent for how federal institutions operate within legal constraints and constitutional boundaries.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle