Lawsuits Challenge Kennedy Center Closure and Trump Renaming

Lawyers presented arguments during court hearings the week of April 27, 2026, regarding two separate lawsuits filed against President Trump and the board of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

Both legal actions seek to block plans to close the performing arts venue for a period of two years to undergo renovations.

Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio trustee of the center, is seeking the removal of President Trump’s name from the institution. The legal challenge notes that the addition of the name was not approved by Congress.

The renaming of the center has already had an impact on its operations, as ticket sales have declined and artists have cancelled scheduled performances.