Trump's Name Off JFK Center, Whistleblowers Flag No-Bid Contracts
NEWS & RESEARCH
Federal judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that the name change 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. The purported name change was effected by Kennedy Center board, appointed by President Trump. The judge ordered the Kennedy Center to scrub Trump’s name from the building and from all official branding. The judge also blocked the institution from shutting down this summer for renovations. Meanwhile, 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 simply because of its beige color.
SOURCES: Axios | USA Today | PBS |New York Times | Whistleblower Report to Congress - GAP
ANALYSIS & OPINION
The rulings plunges 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 the whistleblower allegations “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
