A federal judge has blocked the Kennedy Center’s plans to temporarily close during planned renovations and declared the addition of President Trump’s name to the building unlawful. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in favor of Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, a member of the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees, who had filed a lawsuit against the name change and two-year closure plan.
In a detailed 94-page opinion, Judge Cooper stated that the Kennedy Center’s board exceeded its authority by deciding to rename the center after President Trump. He ordered the removal of Trump’s name from all signage and official materials, asserting that Congress originally named the center after President Kennedy and only Congress can alter that title.
Concerning the planned closure, Judge Cooper criticized the board for endorsing Trump’s announcement to close the center without fully exploring the consequences for programming and memorial functions. He described the decision as poorly informed and preordained. Further, the judge emphasized that Beatty had been wrongfully denied her voting rights during a board meeting concerning the closure.
Judge Cooper did not fully prohibit renovations, acknowledging their necessity, but stressed that any decisions should involve a balanced consideration of the center’s obligations. He clarified that the court will not dictate how the center operates but expects adherence to legal requirements.
In separate but related rulings, the judge dismissed a legal challenge from the D.C. Preservation League concerning similar allegations about the center’s proposed changes.
Rep. Beatty welcomed the court’s decision, expressing relief that attempts to rename and close the center lacked legal grounds. She emphasized the center’s significance to the American public, criticizing Trump’s actions as self-serving.
Roma Daravi, spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, expressed hope that appeals would support the board’s decisions, underscoring the necessity of repair work. She highlighted the $257 million secured funding during Trump’s tenure for renovations.
Within Trump’s second presidential term, he made significant leadership changes at the Kennedy Center, placing allies on the Board of Trustees and electing himself as chair. The board then voted to rename the center by including Trump’s name, a move that triggered backlash and artist cancellations from the performing arts community.
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