Overview
- Beatty filed suit in D.C. federal court seeking a declaration that the venue’s legal name remains the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and asking the court to void the board’s vote.
- The complaint names President Trump, executive director Ric Grenell, the Kennedy Center, and trustees, and requests removal of new physical and digital signage and an order barring any renaming attempts.
- The lawsuit alleges the board meeting was a sham with no advance agenda notice and opponents, including ex officio members, muted during a virtual session at a trustee’s home.
- Kennedy Center officials defended the action, arguing the board has authority and citing a precedent involving adding Trump’s name to the U.S. Institute of Peace.
- Artists have begun canceling appearances, including musician Kristy Lee, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen says he will pursue an appropriations amendment to reverse the change when Congress returns.