Board Votes to Temporarily Close Kennedy Center, Judge Says Congress Controls Building Naming

September 16, 2026

A federal judge ruled that President Trump cannot add his name to the Kennedy Center without congressional approval, blocking plans to inscribe his name on the building's facade or rename the grounds after him. Following the court decision, Trump joined a Kennedy Center board meeting by phone where he allegedly verbally attacked the Democratic congresswoman who sued to stop the renaming, calling her derogatory names. The board subsequently voted to close the main building for up to two years for a $257 million renovation project that addresses serious facility problems including water damage and a partial ceiling collapse.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump
The Kennedy Center board members
Rep. Joyce Beatty (Ohio Democrat who filed the lawsuit)
Kennedy Center employees (facing potential payment issues)
Kennedy Center visitors and patrons (due to building closure)
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper (who issued the ruling)
Congress (whose approval is required for any renaming)

What action is being taken

The Kennedy Center is appealing Judge Cooper's decision
Rep. Joyce Beatty is continuing to fight the renaming attempt in court
The Kennedy Center board is closing the main building for up to two years for renovations

Why it matters

This case is significant because it establishes legal boundaries on presidential authority over federally-established institutions and protects congressional oversight. The Kennedy Center was created by Congress as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and the ruling prevents the board from unilaterally altering that memorial designation or effectively selling naming rights without legislative approval. The controversy also highlights tensions between political ambitions and institutional independence, while the building closure affects one of Washington's most prominent cultural venues and raises concerns about the facility's financial stability and structural integrity.

What's next

The Kennedy Center has appealed Judge Cooper's decision, and Rep. Beatty has stated she will continue fighting in court to prevent the renaming. Trump has indicated the $257 million renovation will not proceed if the courts ultimately rule against him on appeal.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer