Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) has claimed that the leadership of the Kennedy Center is allowing the venue in Washington, D.C., to become a “lifeless shell” by failing to resume its regular shows and programming. Beatty, who is also an ex-officio director at the center, initially filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump in December 2025 regarding a decision to install a sign featuring his name along with John F. Kennedy’s on the building.
In a recent court filing, Beatty’s legal team argued that the current board, led by Trump, is violating a court order from May, which mandates the center to remain operational. They stated the center would effectively close as a performing arts venue by July 5, 2026, without immediate action. “They plan to turn the Kennedy Center into a lifeless shell,” they contended.
In response, the Kennedy Center’s lawyers asserted that the court’s order does not explicitly require the board to reschedule canceled shows or pursue new programming.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s order prevented a planned two-year closure for renovations and directed that Trump’s name be removed from the building, which was executed over the weekend. The 94-page order does not detail that shows must resume right away, but it does acknowledge that there are “at least some plans to resume rehearsals, performances, and educational programming.” Cooper emphasized that the board has a responsibility to follow through with the center’s plans and cannot completely cease hosting events.
In terms of its future, the Kennedy Center has indicated that its management will soon outline strategies for reopening. They mentioned several potential options: a complete closure with no programming, a partial closure allowing some public access and performances in certain areas, or a phased plan to fully restore programming. As of now, decisions on these options are anticipated in mid-July.
Conflict surrounding the Kennedy Center dates back to early 2025, when Trump, having just been re-elected, reshaped the board and appointed himself as a director. A new board aligned with Trump’s interests then elected him chairman, which led to the dismissal of former president Deborah Rutter. Trump previously criticized Rutter’s leadership, accusing it of mismanaging funds and leaving the center with a substantial budget deficit.
In May 2025, the new board stripped voting rights from all 23 ex-officio members, including significant figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Trump administration officials. The situation intensified recently, culminating on June 13, when workers started removing Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center, which had previously been displayed as the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Performing Arts Center.”
