Trump Renames Kennedy Center, Sparking Legal Debate Over Control

The president's plan to renovate the iconic performing arts venue has raised questions about who has the power to make changes.

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 renaming the venue the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" and announcing plans for a major renovation. While the president has the power to appoint the center's board of trustees, Congress has historically controlled funding and approval for projects. 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 that has been jointly operated by the executive and legislative branches since its creation by Congress in 1964. The legal dispute over Trump's actions raises broader questions about the balance of power between the president and Congress when it comes to managing federal properties and institutions.

The details

In December 2025, Trump's hand-picked board of trustees voted unanimously to add his name to the center's facade, above the existing "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" signage. Trump then announced the center would close for two years starting in July 2026 to undergo major renovations, which he said were necessary. However, Congress has historically controlled the center's funding and project approvals, and some members are pushing back, alleging Trump's actions are unconstitutional. The law that created the center in 1964 states it must be referred to as the "John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts", and a lawsuit has been filed to stop the name change.

  • In December 2025, Trump's board of trustees voted to add his name to the center's facade.
  • In July 2026, the Kennedy Center is scheduled to close for a two-year renovation period.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has sought to rename and renovate the Kennedy Center.

John F. Kennedy

The 35th President of the United States, after whom the Kennedy Center was originally named in 1964.

Richard Grenell

The new president of the Kennedy Center, a Trump appointee.

Chellie Pingree

The top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the Kennedy Center.

Joyce Beatty

A former Kennedy Center trustee and Democratic member of Congress who has filed a lawsuit to stop the name change.

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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)

“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, Top Democrat on House Appropriations subcommittee (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the lawsuit filed by former Kennedy Center trustee Joyce Beatty will decide whether to stop the name change. Congress will also likely demand more information from the Trump administration about its renovation plans as it considers funding for the center in 2027.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over control of federal institutions like the Kennedy Center. It raises questions about the limits of presidential power and the role of Congress in overseeing and funding such entities, especially when it comes to high-profile cultural landmarks.