Kennedy's name obscured at performing arts center
By: Bart Jansen
USA Today
WASHINGTON - The court fight has rekindled over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after the board voted that President Donald Trump's name must go on, even if the show doesn't for a few years of construction.
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U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper had ordered Trump's name r4emoved from the building's facade in May [2026] because Congress hadn't authorized it. Cooper also blocked the administration from closing the venue for two years of construction because the plans for the project were adopted too hastily.
..... But the Kennedy name has remained obscured by scaffolding and tarps as the litigation grinds on. The board stacked with Trump allies voted August 13 [2026] to restore his name to the facade - twice. So R4epresenative Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, asked Cooper in an emergency request August 20 [2026] to block the latest renaming.
..... "It's deja vu all over again," said Beatty, who serves on the Kennedy Center board.
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Updates in the court battle offered some behind-the-scenes details about the renovation project for which Congress appropriated $257 million. The curtain could go up on another court hearing before September 8, [2026] the deadline the board set for "effectuating" its decision to rename the building.
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The board decided to close the Kennedy Center during construction, which became a point of contention in the lawsuit. but Charles Matthew Floca, the center's executive director and chief operating officer, said a consultant estimated that a partial closure would nearly double the cost and time frame for the project.
..... Delta consulting Group told the board at the August 13 [2026] meeting that if constitution partially closed the venue, it would require four years of revolving closures on the main level of the building and cost an estimated $580 million.
..... Closing the main building entirely for two years, which the board approved, would cost $285 million.
..... The board also agreed to restore Trump's name to the facade. They voted to rename the building "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.
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If Trump's fundraising for the project reaches $100 million, the facade would: "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump endowed by the Trump Kennedy Center Fund."
..... The board also voted to name the grounds beneath the venue "President Donald J. Trump Plaza."
..... Beatty argued that the renaming violates the congressional statue that created the center in 1964 - and Cooper's order.
..... Scaffolding and a tarp continue to block the view of Kennedy's name, after Trump's name was removed on June 13. [2026] Kennedy Center managers said scaffolding was required for water testing and structural repairs to the roof overhanging the front portico. The scaffolding also serves as a safety barrier for construction and to safeguard the marble facade of the building form reported damage.
..... But Beatty argued hat the underside of the roof and that scaffolding hasn't been erected around the rest of the marble building to protect it or examine other parts f thereof.
..... "Enough is enough," Beatty's filing said. Defendants' contemptuous behavior must stop."