Jump to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex WoodwardThursday 27 August 2026 22:54 BSTTrump claims he's surprised after Trump-appointed board (illegally) renames it the Trump-Kennedy CenterDemocratic Rep. Joyce Beatty's team returned to court to block the Kennedy Center’s Donald Trump-dominated board from illegally flouting court orders that block the president from sticking his name on the building, according to the legal team fighting to keep his hands off the venue.District Judge Christopher R. Cooper previously ruled that Congress designated the building as a memorial solely for John F. Kennedy, prompting the removal of Trump's name earlier this summer.The board recently voted again to alter the facade to include text recognizing Trump's restoration efforts and naming the surrounding space President Donald J. Trump Plaza. Justice Department lawyers argued that the venue faces financial deterioration and potential demolition without Trump's proposed renovation plan and fundraising backing.“In plain English, Defendants have not-so-subtly said: ‘What a nice Kennedy Center you have here. What a shame should something happen to it,’” lawyers for the congresswoman wrote Wednesday night. “This is a breathtaking assault on the rule of law. It is delusional. And it must stop.”Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the administration outside the courthouse, asserting that Trump is essential to raising the necessary funds for the center's multi-million dollar restoration.In fullTrump-run Kennedy Center ‘courting a constitutional crisis for one man’s vanity,’ lawyers sayMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in