Trump Renames and Seeks to Renovate Kennedy Center

Legal battle erupts over control of iconic Washington, D.C. arts venue

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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President Donald Trump has sparked a legal debate over control of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. after adding his name to the building's facade and announcing plans for a major two-year renovation. Some members of Congress are pushing back, alleging Trump's actions are unlawful and should be reversed.

Why it matters

The Kennedy Center is a high-profile cultural institution created by Congress, raising questions about the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches over its management and funding. The renaming and proposed renovations have drawn criticism from some lawmakers who argue Trump is overstepping his authority.

The details

In December 2025, Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade following a unanimous vote by his hand-picked board of trustees. Trump then announced the center would close for two years starting in July 2026 to undergo major renovations. Some members of Congress, including Rep. Chellie Pingree, are challenging Trump's actions in court, arguing he lacks the legal authority to unilaterally make such changes. While Congress has historically controlled the center's funding and project approvals, the Trump administration says the $257 million already appropriated by Congress will cover the renovation costs.

  • In December 2025, Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center's facade.
  • In July 2026, the Kennedy Center is scheduled to close for a two-year renovation period.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has sought to rename and renovate the Kennedy Center.

Chellie Pingree

A Democratic member of Congress who oversees the subcommittee that controls funding for the Kennedy Center and is pushing back against Trump's actions.

Richard Grenell

The new president of the Kennedy Center, a Trump appointee who has praised the President's "visionary leadership" on the renovation plans.

David Super

A Georgetown University law professor who has analyzed the legal questions surrounding Trump's control over the Kennedy Center.

Joyce Beatty

A Democratic member of Congress and former Kennedy Center trustee who has filed a lawsuit to stop Trump from changing the center's name.

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What they’re saying

“I am grateful for President Trump's visionary leadership. I am also grateful to Congress for appropriating an historic $257M to finally address decades of deferred maintenance and repairs at the Trump Kennedy Center.”

— Richard Grenell, President of the Kennedy Center (ABC News)

“The Constitution says that no money shall be drawn for the Treasury except in accordance with an appropriation passed by Congress. He can spend that money for any of the purposes Congress provided it for, and that includes deferred maintenance, repair, restoration, renovation. It does not allow him to rebuild it.”

— David Super, Georgetown University law professor (ABC News)

“What's going to happen now? He tore down the East Wing. Does this mean he thinks he's going to tear down the Kennedy Center and just rebuild it as a monument to himself?”

— Chellie Pingree, Democratic member of Congress (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty will decide whether to stop Trump from changing the Kennedy Center's name.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over control of high-profile federal institutions like the Kennedy Center. It raises questions about the limits of a president's power to unilaterally make changes to such venues, even with congressional funding.