A U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of Congresswoman Joyce Beatty in her lawsuit against former President Donald Trump and the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The court's decision blocks Trump's attempt to rename the iconic cultural institution and halts a planned two-year closure. This ruling affects the Kennedy Center's future operations and its role as a national memorial.
The case, Beatty v. Trump, was filed on May 29, 2026, under Civil Action No. 2025-4480. Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center Board, challenged several actions taken by the Board after Trump appointed himself as a trustee and chair. The dispute centers around the legality of the Board's decisions, including the renaming of the Center and the decision to close it for extensive renovations.
Background
The Kennedy Center, located in Washington, D.C., is both a premier performing arts venue and a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Established by Congress in the early 1960s, the Center has played a significant role in American culture for decades. In recent years, however, the Center has faced challenges, particularly after Trump took control of the Board in early 2025.
In February 2025, Trump replaced several trustees and appointed himself as chair. Under his leadership, the Board made significant changes, including amending bylaws to strip ex officio members like Beatty of their voting rights. In December 2025, the Board voted to rename the Center the "Trump Kennedy Center," a decision that was met with immediate backlash. Beatty filed her lawsuit shortly after the Board's actions, arguing that they were unlawful and undermined the Center's mission.
The Ruling
Judge Christopher R. Cooper presided over the case and issued a combined opinion addressing Beatty's claims. The court ruled that the Kennedy Center's name could not be changed without Congressional approval, stating, "Congress made clear that the Kennedy Center would serve as both the nation’s premier performing arts center and a living memorial." The ruling emphasized that only Congress has the authority to rename the institution.
Furthermore, the court sided with Beatty on the voting rights issue, determining that the Board's decision to strip ex officio trustees of their voting rights was unlawful. The opinion noted that the Center's organic statute makes no distinction between general and ex officio trustees regarding their fundamental rights. Lastly, the court found that the Board's decision to close the Center for two years violated its fiduciary duty, as it failed to adequately consider the potential consequences of such a closure.
The court ruled that the Board's decision-making "falls below even a forgiving standard of prudence."
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for the Kennedy Center and its operations. By blocking the name change and the closure, the court has preserved the Center's identity as a memorial to President Kennedy and ensured that it continues to serve its mission as a performing arts venue. The decision reinforces the principle that the Board must operate within the bounds of its statutory obligations and maintain the Center in good working order.
The ruling also sets a precedent regarding the governance of federally established institutions. It highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to actions that could have far-reaching effects on cultural and historical landmarks.
What's Next
While the court has issued a preliminary injunction against the closure, it is unclear whether the Board will appeal the decision. If they choose to do so, the case could continue to evolve in the courts. Additionally, there may be related cases pending that address similar governance issues within the Kennedy Center and other federally funded institutions.