Kennedy Center board votes to re-inscribe Trump's name on facade despite judge's removal order

Board approves new Trump inscription

The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted on Thursday, August 13, to add an inscription bearing President Donald Trump's name to the building's exterior. According to Democratic US Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member, the facade would read "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump," and the physical site would be renamed "the President Donald J. Trump Plaza." The New York Times, citing a resolution, reported that the board "desires to recognize and honor President Trump's existential and unprecedented contributions to the survival of the center by all legal means."

The board, dominated by Trump loyalists, also voted to close the Kennedy Center for two years for renovations. Work on the venue's heating and cooling, electrical and fire safety systems is to be completed by summer 2028. A second source with knowledge of the situation confirmed the decision to Reuters.

Judicial history of the dispute

Trump's name was first added to the facade in December 2025, after Trump installed a handpicked board that named him chairman following his return to office. The initial renaming designated the venue "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." In May 2026, Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the name removed, ruling that the Kennedy Center's organic statute makes clear the institution is to be named for President Kennedy and cannot bear any other formal name based on the board's unilateral decision.

Workers stripped Trump's name from the building in June. Executive Director Matt Floca said the center had "removed all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds" containing Trump's name. A tarp has remained over the facade since that time. In July, a federal appeals court denied the administration's bid to keep Trump's name on the building while pursuing further legal action, finding that government claims about fundraising harm were not supported by specific facts or evidence.

Reactions and consequences

Rep. Beatty, who sued the Trump administration and the center over the earlier name change and planned closure, condemned the latest vote.

“This latest development is a transparent effort to circumvent the Court's ruling, and flies in the face of the statutes that Congress passed. I will continue to fight for this treasured national monument.”

The name change was denounced by the Kennedy family and the Democratic opposition, which contests its legality. When Trump's name was first added in December 2025, shows were cancelled and ticket sales for remaining events plunged. The Kennedy Center did not immediately reply to AFP's request for comment on the board's proceedings.

Broader pattern of Trump branding

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has imprinted his personal brand on multiple institutions. The now-defunct US Institute of Peace was renamed after Trump, with his name appearing on it since late 2025. His face has appeared on huge banners outside the Justice and Agriculture Departments. A limited edition US passport features his image, and the airport in West Palm Beach, Florida is now named for him. An appeals court last week halted his planned White House ballroom after he demolished the East Wing, and his Reflecting Pool renovation has also faced problems, though he still plans to build a Memorial Arch.

It remains unclear how the board's latest vote will comply with Judge Cooper's May order, and whether the judge will address the new inscription or the renewed closure plan.