Trump's lawyers get creative in fight to keep his name on the Kennedy Center

Department of Justice lawyers representing the Kennedy Center urged a federal appeals court on Tuesday to restore President Donald Trump's name to the institution, warning the removal jeopardizes "hundreds of millions" in gifts and pledges to a newly created entity called the Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Foundation.

The foundation, which emerged suddenly on March 18, was created by renaming an existing nonprofit, previously called the Kennedy Center Foundation, originally established in 2024, according to The Atlantic.

Records filed with D.C.'s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection lack details about the foundation's governance structure, leadership, or which donors allegedly face withdrawal risks.

General Counsel Elliot Berke signed the name change document.

The strategy appears designed to create legal leverage.

In a prepared statement to The Atlantic, Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi said, "The Trump Kennedy Center Fund is intended to recognize President Donald J. Trump's significant contributions and dedication to America's premier cultural center, while furthering our founding mission like never before."

Watch the video below.

Your browser does not support the video tag.