Democrat Congresswoman Tries to Block Trump’s Rightful Recognition at Kennedy Center
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Rep. Joyce Beatty files a last-minute legal motion to prevent the Kennedy Center from honoring President Trump’s contributions, despite a board-approved plan and ongoing renovations.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, has launched a desperate legal maneuver to stop the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from giving President Donald J. Trump the recognition he deserves. In an emergency motion, Beatty claims that the proposed inscription of Trump’s name violates a previous court ruling, arguing that the board’s plan somehow bypasses congressional authority—even though the board is acting within its rights to acknowledge Trump’s historic renovations.
The center’s board, after careful consideration, recently approved a resolution to close most of the facility for two years for much-needed renovations. As part of this plan, they intend to add an inscription reading “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump” below the existing Kennedy memorial sign, finally giving credit where it’s due. The resolution also includes a future inscription, “Endowed by The Trump Kennedy Center Fund,” if a fundraising effort reaches $100 million, and proposes naming the grounds “President Donald J. Trump Plaza” to honor Trump’s substantial contributions. The Kennedy Center has responsibly agreed to delay installing these inscriptions until September 8, allowing the legal process to play out.
A court order now requires the center to respond to Beatty’s motion by Monday, after which a hearing may be scheduled. This comes after a May decision by Judge John D. Cooper, who ruled that the center cannot be renamed without congressional approval, citing federal law. Beatty’s filing also criticizes the use of tarps covering the front portico since June, claiming they hide the Kennedy name and violate the court order. The center has explained that these coverings are necessary for ongoing construction, but Beatty and her allies continue to stir controversy, refusing to acknowledge the improvements and recognition President Trump has brought to the institution.