Lawsuit Filed to Remove Trump's Name from the Kennedy Center Amid Controversy
Joyce Beatty, a Democratic U.S. Representative and Kennedy Center board member designated by law, has filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center. Last week, the Kennedy Center board voted to rename the facility the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move Beatty argues requires an Act of Congress to be valid.
Beatty also claims she was muted when she attempted to voice her opposition during the board meeting. The lawsuit contends that the center should remain a living memorial to John F. Kennedy, in line with Congress's original intent when it named the center after Kennedy following his assassination in 1963. The Kennedy Center was built in the 1950s and formally named in honor of John F. Kennedy by Congress after his death.
The White House defended the renaming, stating that Trump strengthened the center's finances, modernized its building, and ended divisive programming, with the board voting unanimously to approve the new name. The exterior of the building now displays Trump's name, and the center’s website logo reads The Trump Kennedy Center.
Trump reportedly influenced the board by firing several members and appointing his allies, leading to Richard Grenell becoming the board president. Currently, the board comprises 34 Trump-appointed members and 23 designated by law.
The Kennedy family has reacted to the renaming with criticism. Some family members opposed the change, including Joe Kennedy III, who emphasized that the Kennedy Center is a living memorial to President Kennedy and cannot be renamed.
