Kennedy Center Board Votes To Inscribe Trump’s Name Back On Building, Defying Judge’s Order

Last Updated:August 14, 2026, 03:57 IST

The board, now dominated by Trump allies, also voted to close the Kennedy Center’s main building for two years for renovations.

The arts venue, located in the heart of Washington, DC, was named in honour of slain president John F. Kennedy. In December last year, the centre was renamed to “Trump Kennedy Center” by the governing board, which is with Trump’s allies. (Photo: AFP file)

The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted on Thursday to put President Donald Trump’s name back on the building’s facade, potentially setting up a clash with a federal judge who had ordered its removal, Reuters reported, citing Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty and a source familiar with the matter.

Beatty, an ex officio board member, said the board voted to add an inscription reading “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump” and rename the site the “President Donald J. Trump Plaza”. A second source confirmed the decision to Reuters.

Judge Had Ordered Trump’s Name Removed

The board, now dominated by Trump allies, also voted to close the Kennedy Center’s main building for two years for renovations, Beatty said.

The move over Trump’s name could face a legal challenge. A federal judge ruled in May that the Washington arts venue could not be renamed without an act of Congress and ordered Trump’s name removed from its facade. Workers removed the signage in June.

A federal appeals court last month also rejected the administration’s request to keep Trump’s name on the building while it pursued further legal action.

It was not immediately clear how Thursday’s decision would comply with the judge’s order.

Key Questions Answered

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Will the Kennedy Center face new legal challenges?

The Kennedy Center could face new legal challenges after its board voted to reinstate President Trump’s name on the building, defying a federal judge’s order.

What happens if the board defies the judge’s order?

The article does not specify the exact consequences if the Kennedy Center board defies the judge’s order. However, a federal judge had previously ordered the removal of Trump’s name from the building and blocked the planned two-year closure for renovations.

Could Congress intervene in this renaming dispute?

Congress could intervene in the renaming dispute because a federal judge ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the Kennedy Center’s name, as Congress originally established it.

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