Kennedy Center Board Appeals Judge’s Order to Remove Trump’s Name
Kennedy Center board has filed an appeal against a May 29 court order to remove Trump’s name.
Why it matters: Legal professionals should note how this litigation underscores the limits of board authority in naming public institutions and the role of federal courts in governance disputes.
- May 29, 2026: U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled the Kennedy Center name must remain after President Kennedy alone, stating only Congress can rename it.
- June 11, 2026: The Kennedy Center board voted to appeal the court’s ruling and seek a stay of enforcement.
- June 12, 2026: Deadline set by the court to remove Trump’s name from all signage and official materials at the center.
- By June 8, 2026, Kennedy Center removed Trump’s name from its website and YouTube channel but had not yet removed exterior signage.
On May 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center board violated federal law by renaming the performing arts venue to include President Donald Trump's name. Judge Cooper held that under the center's organic statute, the venue's name is firmly established as honoring President John F. Kennedy, and only Congress has the authority to alter that designation. The Department of Justice's press release detailed the basis for the ruling.
The court ordered the removal of Trump’s name from all physical signage, official documentation, and digital platforms by June 12, 2026. In line with the order, the Kennedy Center’s general counsel issued a directive on June 4 to staff to start removing references to Trump from email signatures, letterhead, and official materials immediately.
By June 8, Trump’s name had been removed from the Kennedy Center’s website and YouTube page, though exterior signage still displayed it as the deadline approached. A Washington Post report covered these compliance steps.
On June 11, the board of trustees formally voted to appeal Judge Cooper’s decision and to request a stay pending appeal, with plans to file by the June 12 deadline. The Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi stated in a press release that the institution is complying with the order while seeking to "preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump's leadership," highlighting the board’s intent to challenge the ruling.
The initial renaming took place in December 2025 when, under then-President Trump’s leadership, the board added his name unilaterally. This triggered legal challenges and opposition from the arts community, noting statutory limits and governance concerns. The ongoing appeal will test the extent of board authority versus congressional prerogative in naming decisions for federally chartered nonprofits.
For legal professionals, this litigation illustrates the complex tensions at the intersection of nonprofit governance, statutory interpretation of federal charters, and the judicial system’s role in public institution naming rights. It highlights the necessity of carefully considering legal authority and procedural compliance in managing cultural institutions with federal ties.
What's next: The Kennedy Center’s formal appellate brief is expected soon after June 12, with the courts yet to decide on a stay or the ultimate merits of the case.