The RecordExhibit 69
Put his name on the Kennedy Center, then moved to close it
Ruled unlawful means: A court ruled against it. Some rulings are on appeal.
Trump's hand-picked board renamed the national memorial the Trump Kennedy Center. When artists and audiences fled, he announced a two-year shutdown.
What happened
The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to President Kennedy created by Congress. After Trump's name went up, performers canceled and ticket sales fell. When the name came down on June 13, after an appeals court upheld the removal deadline, a tarp and scaffolding went up over that part of the facade and stayed for more than a month; the center called it marble maintenance, and Judge Cooper ordered it to explain the tarp. In September the board voted again to close, citing money and building problems, and the next day fencing went up and the building abruptly closed to the public. Thousands protested after Trump threatened to shut the building down, or even demolish it, unless his name goes on the facade. On Oct. 2 the center announced that this year's Kennedy Center Honors will be held at Capital One Arena on Dec. 7, the first time in the gala's nearly 50-year history that it won't take place at the center. On Sept. 28 Sen. Mike Lee single-handedly blocked a bipartisan bill from Sens. Jeff Merkley and Lisa Murkowski that would have barred demolishing the center without Congress's approval; Murkowski noted Congress funded renovations but never authorized a demolition.
Where it stands
Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in May 2026 that only Congress can rename it, ordered the name removed and blocked the planned July closure. On Sept. 15 he barred putting Trump's name back on the building or the plaza in any form. After the abrupt closure, he ordered the center to give 30 days' notice before any major physical change, including demolition. The Justice Department is appealing.
The administration's side
The board says adding a secondary name was within its authority, that closing is needed for renovation and finances, and that Trump is the only person who can raise money at that scale. The Justice Department told the court the building is crumbling. Center officials say the sudden closure was a temporary safety measure, separate from the board's vote.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/kennedy/