Federal Judge Orders Trump Admin to Allow Congresswoman Beatty to Join Kennedy Center Meeting

Beatty sues over Trump's plans to temporarily close and rename the Kennedy Center

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:04pm

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A federal judge has sided with U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Columbus, in her lawsuit against the Trump administration over its plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for a "complete rebuilding" and rename it the "Trump Kennedy Center." Beatty, who serves on the center's board, sued the administration in December over the lack of notice and her exclusion from a board meeting where the name change was voted on. The judge has now ordered the Trump administration to share documents about the shutdown and allow Beatty to participate in an upcoming board meeting.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Congress over control of federal institutions like the Kennedy Center. Beatty argues that the president does not have unilateral authority to make such sweeping changes without Congressional approval, raising questions about the limits of presidential power.

The details

In February 2025, President Trump appointed all new members to the Kennedy Center's board of trustees, which then voted on December 18 to change the center's name to the "Trump Kennedy Center." Beatty, who serves on the board in a congressionally appointed role, said she was repeatedly barred from speaking during that meeting. Beatty subsequently sued the Trump administration over the name change. On March 14, a U.S. District judge ordered the Trump administration to share documents about the planned two-year shutdown and allow Beatty to participate in a March 16 board meeting.

  • In February 2025, President Trump appointed all new members to the Kennedy Center's board of trustees.
  • On December 18, the new board voted to change the center's name to the "Trump Kennedy Center."
  • On March 14, 2026, a U.S. District judge ordered the Trump administration to share documents about the planned shutdown and allow Beatty to participate in a March 16 board meeting.

The players

Joyce Beatty

U.S. Representative from Ohio's 3rd congressional district and a congressionally appointed member of the Kennedy Center's board of trustees.

Donald Trump

45th President of the United States, who has sought to transform the Kennedy Center's leadership and operations since his second term began.

The Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a major performing arts venue in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“No president has the authority to shut Congress out of the governance of the Kennedy Center, much less unilaterally rename or demolish it. We will not stand by while an important part of our national heritage is jeopardized, and I intend to make that clear at next week's board meeting.”

— Joyce Beatty, U.S. Representative (Democracy Defenders Action)

What’s next

The judge's order requires the Trump administration to allow Beatty to participate in the Kennedy Center's board meeting on March 16, where she plans to voice her opposition to the president's unilateral actions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing power struggle between the executive and legislative branches over the control of federal institutions like the Kennedy Center. It raises important questions about the limits of presidential authority and the role of Congress in governing such national cultural assets.