Trump says Kennedy Center to close as court rules his name must stay off building

September 15, 2026

The Kennedy Center board has voted to close the performing arts venue for two years, but a federal judge has simultaneously blocked the addition of President Trump's name to the building. Trump announced plans last year to rebrand the center with his name, and the board approved language stating it was "Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump," but Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that such changes require Congressional approval since Congress established the center as a memorial to President John F.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump (board chair attempting to add his name to the building)
The Kennedy Center board members, cabinet members, and Trump allies
Judge Christopher Cooper (federal judge blocking the name change)
Joyce Beatty, Ohio congresswoman and Democratic board member (plaintiff in the lawsuit)
Kennedy Center staff (facing potential payroll issues)
Artists who have canceled performances at the venue
Ticket buyers and audiences (experiencing performance cancellations)
Visitors to the performing arts center

What action is being taken

The Kennedy Center board is voting to close the venue for two years
Judge Christopher Cooper is blocking the addition of Trump's name to the building through a court order
The US Department of Justice is preparing to ask for an expedited appeal
Joyce Beatty is pursuing a lawsuit against the board's decisions
The Kennedy Center remains open under the judge's temporary injunction from May

Why it matters

This case represents a significant constitutional conflict over presidential authority versus Congressional power, as it centers on whether the executive branch can unilaterally alter a memorial that Congress specifically established to honor President John F. Kennedy. The dispute threatens the viability of one of the nation's premier performing arts institutions, with the center claiming it faces bankruptcy and cannot meet payroll obligations within weeks. The controversy has already caused tangible harm through artist cancellations and declining ticket sales, demonstrating how political conflicts can damage cultural institutions. Additionally, the case may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, potentially setting important precedent about executive power over federally-established memorials.

What's next

The US Department of Justice will request an expedited appeal
The board is expected to formally request that Judge Cooper lift the temporary block on closure by Friday
Trump has vowed to take the case to the Supreme Court if the ruling is unfavorable
The court will continue to hear Joyce Beatty's lawsuit challenging the board's actions

Read full article from source: BBC