A Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives has filed a lawsuit seeking the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following a controversial decision by the centre’s board to rename the venue the Trump–Kennedy Center.
The lawmaker argues that the board acted unlawfully, stating that any change to the name of the federally established cultural institution requires approval through an act of Congress. She also claims she was prevented from voicing her opposition during the meeting where the decision was taken.
According to the lawsuit, the Kennedy Center was intended by Congress to serve as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy, and renaming it undermines that purpose. The suit describes the move as politically motivated and inconsistent with the institution’s founding principles.
The White House has defended the decision, saying President Trump revitalised the centre by improving its finances, overseeing renovations, and reshaping its programming. Officials said the board’s vote marked a new chapter for the institution and reflected broad support among its members.
Trump’s name has since been added to the exterior of the building, and the centre’s branding has been updated to reflect the new name. The change has sparked criticism, particularly in Washington, where the centre has long been viewed as a national cultural landmark.
Construction of the performing arts centre began in the 1950s, and after President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Congress formally named it in his honour. In recent months, Trump reshaped the board by removing several members and appointing allies, later becoming chairman. His administration also secured significant congressional funding for renovations, citing the building’s deteriorating condition.
Members of the Kennedy family have publicly opposed the renaming, insisting that the centre’s status as a memorial is protected by federal law and should not be altered.
The legal challenge is expected to test the limits of the board’s authority and the role of Congress in overseeing national memorials.
