Democrat Lawmaker Sues Trump Administration Over Kennedy Center Renaming

By Blessing Nweke

A Democrat member of Congress sued the Trump administration on Monday over the decision to add President Donald Trump’s name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, arguing the move violates federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center’s board, filed the lawsuit in federal court after the board voted last week to rename the institution the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” The change was swiftly followed by Trump’s name being affixed to the building’s facade above President John F. Kennedy’s.

Beatty’s suit contends that renaming the center requires an act of Congress because its original name — the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts — was established through legislation signed into law. The lawsuit describes the renaming effort as “more reminiscent of authoritarian regimes than an American Republic.”

“This is a flagrant violation of the rule of law, and it flies in the face of our constitutional order,” the suit states, arguing Congress intended the center to serve as a living memorial to Kennedy and a nonpartisan cultural institution.

The lawsuit also alleges procedural misconduct during the board meeting. Beatty says she was muted after identifying herself during the virtual session and repeatedly prevented from speaking. Despite her objections, board members later declared the vote unanimous, according to the filing.

Beatty is asking a judge to rule that the center’s legal name remains unchanged and to declare the board’s vote null and void.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did the Kennedy Center’s board. A center spokesperson previously said Beatty is not a voting board member and was allowed only to listen in on the meeting.

The renaming has drawn criticism from members of the Kennedy family and several Democratic lawmakers, who have questioned both the legality and precedent of the move. Earlier this year, Trump reshaped the center’s board, was elected chair, and oversaw programming changes that included canceling some Pride-related events. Trump had previously teased adding his name to the iconic arts venue.