Judge Blocks Kennedy Center Name Change and Summer Closure in Dispute Over Board Authority

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued a 94-page opinion on May 30, 2026, ruling in favor of Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio and ordering the Kennedy Center board to remove President Trump's name from the institution's title, the façade of the Center, any other physical or digital signage, and official materials.

Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center's organic statute requires it to be named for President Kennedy and that only Congress can change the name. The judge also ruled that the board overstepped its power by stripping Rep. Joyce Beatty of her right to vote at the March meeting where the board approved the closure plan.

Joyce Beatty was entitled to participate in the board meeting but did not require the board to allow her to vote. In the current ruling, the judge found that the board based its closure decision on an insufficient, one-sided presentation of information and neglected to consider its full statutory obligations and potential adverse consequences.

Judge Christopher Cooper called the decision to cease operations during renovation ill-informed and seemingly preordained. The judge ruled that in ratifying President Trump's closure announcement, the Kennedy Center board was derelict in discharging its responsibilities.

The preliminary injunction does not categorically bar the board from closing the Kennedy Center should it reach the decision anew after independently balancing its obligations.

Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the planned repair work at the Kennedy Center can continue because evidence indicates it is sorely needed. C. Preservation League.

President Trump posted on Truth Social on May 30, 2026, that he will be working with Congress to transfer the Kennedy Center back to them so they can make a determination as to what to do with it. " President Trump directed the Commerce Department to make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of the Kennedy Center, giving them responsibility for its Operation, Maintenance, and Management.

Rep.

Joyce Beatty stated on May 30, 2026: "Today's ruling rightly affirms that this administration's efforts to rename and close the Center have no basis in law. The Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump.

" Roma Daravi stated that the Kennedy Center is confident that on appeal the court will uphold the Board's will to recognize President Trump's historic contributions.

Roma Daravi stated that the Kennedy Center requires repair work and that with $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, the resources are in place. " In the opening weeks of his second term in 2025, President Trump replaced several members of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees with senior members of his administration and close allies.

The Kennedy Center board elected President Trump as chair after he replaced board members.

The Kennedy Center board ousted its longtime president and installed Ric Grenell as its new leader. Ric Grenell left his post at the Kennedy Center earlier in 2026 and was replaced by Matt Floca. In December 2025, the Kennedy Center's board voted to change the name to The Donald J.

Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Hours after the December 2025 board vote, the Kennedy Center's website was updated to read "The Trump Kennedy Center" and crews added Mr.

Several artists canceled scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center following President Trump's moves to reshape it. The executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra left for a new job following President Trump's moves to reshape the Kennedy Center.

The John F. C.