Lawyers for the Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have instructed staff to revert its name to the original title. The directive, outlined in a memo from the center’s general counsel, comes in compliance with a federal court order. Last week, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in favor of Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a Board of Trustees member, challenging the name change and renovation plans.
Judge Cooper found that the board had exceeded its authority. He ordered the removal of President Trump’s name from all physical and digital signage and official materials. The memo directed staff to update email signatures, letterhead, and documents to reflect ‘The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ immediately.
Signage and furniture bearing the current name must revert by next Friday. The Kennedy Center has not responded to comments. The memo indicates that officials are evaluating options regarding whether the center will remain open after July 5. Renovations costing $257 million are planned to start this summer.
While Judge Cooper acknowledged the necessity of renovations, his preliminary injunction does not prevent closure should the board reevaluate its decision prudently. The ruling holds the Kennedy Center Board accountable to legal requirements but does not dictate the center’s operation plans.
During Trump’s second term, he replaced several Board of Trustees members with his allies, leading to him being elected as chair. In December, the board voted to rename the institution as The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. The website was quickly updated to ‘The Trump Kennedy Center’ and preparations to alter the building’s facade began. However, lawmakers and legal experts noted that a change of this magnitude required congressional action.
Following the announcement, several artists canceled performances, and the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, a resident performer at the Kennedy Center, resigned from his position.