Background on the Tarp at the Kennedy Center
On June 24, a U.S. federal judge requested a detailed explanation for the tarpaulin covering the Kennedy Center’s facade where President Donald Trump’s name was recently removed. District Judge Christopher Cooper asked the board of trustees to clarify the tarp’s purpose and status by the end of July. This request comes amid a continued legal dispute.
Legal Battle Involving Rep. Joyce Beatty
Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio board member, initiated a lawsuit aiming to remove Trump’s name from the center and halt its temporary closure for renovations. In a filing from the U.S. Department of Justice, some surprising details emerged. During a board meeting on December 18, 2025, Beatty was allegedly muted and prevented from speaking against the decision to add Trump’s name.
Controversy Over Name Change
No additional memorials or plaques shall be designated or installed.
This guideline governs how the Kennedy Center allocates federal funds. Beatty contends that adding Trump’s name breaches these rules and requires Congressional approval. The Kennedy Center does not dispute her claim that there was no notice of the name change on the meeting agenda. The board’s decision had no prior discussion of potential risks or conflicts of interest.
Fundraising Concerns
The center argued that removing Trump’s name could deter donor support and hinder fundraising efforts. This concern highlights the board’s financial considerations amid the ongoing dispute.
Unplanned Closure Announcement
Earlier, Trump announced via social media that the Kennedy Center would close for two years for renovations. This decision purportedly followed a year of consultations with various experts. However, the center has stated that this announcement lacked any accompanying plans, analyses, timelines, or funding details and had no board vote. The Washington Post reported a drop in ticket sales following Trump’s becoming board chair, a claim the center had previously denied. Yet, by October 2025, nearly half of the center’s tickets were unsold according to the center’s recent filing.