The ruling came in a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty after Trump added his name in December 2025, a move that also forced changes to marketing materials, employee IDs and ticket stock.
The name fight unfolded amid a broader takeover that replaced board members, installed Trump as chairman and, according to the report, triggered artist cancellations, weak ticket sales and staff layoffs.
Trump still remains tied to the institution because he continues as chairman and his appointees still control the board, even as plans to close the center for renovations move ahead.
What is the fate of the Kennedy Center's priceless art collection during its two-year closure?
How will the Kennedy Center redefine its artistic mission after its extensive two-year renovation?
Kennedy Center Restores Original Name After Legal Battle Over Trump Renaming: Court Decisions and National Implications
Overview
On July 8, 2026, a federal appeals court upheld the permanent removal of former President Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, denying any requests to pause the lower court’s order and solidifying the mandate for the name change. This decision followed the swift physical removal of Trump’s name from the building’s facade and official branding, which began in mid-June. The court’s ruling marked the legal conclusion of a highly publicized controversy, demonstrating compliance with earlier directives and restoring the Kennedy Center’s original identity as a national cultural landmark.