His Name Off the JFK Center, Trump Floats Demolition
NEWS & RESEARCH
President Trump was pictured reviewing a poster that appears to read, “Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED,” hours before his administration told a judge the arts institution had to be closed due to “structural deterioration” posing “untenable risks” to safety. The Center Board, appointed by Trump, voted to close the Center for renovations but federal Judge Casey Cooper ordered the Center to remain open pending a decision in a lawsuit brought by Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty. Federal judge Christopher R. Cooper earler ruled that the name change voted by the Center Board to the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” was unlawful, since only Congress has the authority to change the name of the institution. In July 2026, former project managers represented by the Government Accountability Project (GAP) submitted an 82-page whistleblower report to Congress, accusing the Kennedy Center of bypassing government contracting norms and skipping competitive bidding to meet compressed timelines driven by Trump's official events. The report details instances where contracts were rushed or structured questionably, such as a $4.4 million arrangement to repaint exterior columns white, and a directive from the White House to rip up and replace newly installed bathroom tile because of its beige color. On September 18, 2026, thousands of people joined a vigil at the Kennedy Center chanting “Hands Off!”
SOURCES: Axios | USA Today | PBS |New York Times | Whistleblower Report to Congress - GAP | CNN | Washington Post
ANALYSIS & OPINION
The rulings plunge the Kennedy Center into operational uncertainty, as staff have already been laid off and no performances are scheduled. Trump suggested he may entirely withdraw his involvement and management of the institution if the courts restrict his sweeping renovation and rebranding plans. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) called whistleblower allegations of bypassing government contracting norms and skipping competitive bidding processes as “serious and concerning.” Larsen added: “The Board of Trustees have the opportunity to focus on addressing these allegations and ensuring the $257 million Congress approved for renovations are used for legitimate, necessary repairs instead of cosmetic nickel and dime fixes that don’t last. At this point, I’d trust Bob the Builder more than Trump the Builder.”
SOURCES: Washington Post | Advocate | Rep. Rick Larsen Press Release
HOW TO FIX IT
Federal action:
Pass the Kennedy Center Protection Act, a bill to restore the name of the institution to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Support Judge Cooper’s decision if it is appealed
Congress should thoroughly investigate the contracting practices at the Kennedy Center and require that going forward, standard contracting practices be employed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used properly
Legislation: H.R.6925 - Kennedy Center Protection Act
