Trump's board prepares to carve his name into JFK's memorial: 10 ways
WASHINGTON, DC: The board running the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is considering 10 different inscriptions that would permanently place President Donald Trump's name on the building's exterior marble, according to a new court filing.
The proposals go beyond the wording previously approved by the Trump-controlled board.
Some credit Trump with overseeing or directing the Center's restoration, while others describe the Kennedy legacy as being protected through his generosity.
Several versions also mention the Trump Kennedy Center Fund, creating the possibility of Trump's name appearing twice in the same inscription.
The filing comes as the Washington institution faces an urgent financial crisis, with reports saying it could be forced to close its main building as early as Tuesday.
It also arrives amid an ongoing court battle over whether Trump's name can legally be added to a national memorial established by Congress in honor of President John F Kennedy.
Ten tributes appear in filing
The proposed inscriptions offer the board several ways to recognize Trump's role.
The Kennedy Center Board is preparing to vote tomorrow to select one of 10 options to etch President Donald Trump's name into the exterior of the building. They are: pic.twitter.com/SmkgL1759j
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) September 14, 2026
Option 1 reads: “Renovation and endowment overseen by President Donald J Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.”
Another proposal says the restoration was “directed by President Donald J Trump,” while a separate option describes the work as “renovated, restored, and sustained through the generosity of President Donald J Trump.”
One of the most striking alternatives reads: “A Legacy protected through the Generosity of President Donald J Trump.”
Other versions thank Trump for his “unwavering support” or simply state that renovation, oversight and support were provided by him.
The document says the wording would be placed on exterior marble beneath the name of the Center.
Some options name Trump twice
The Trump Kennedy Center Fund appears alongside the president's name in several of the proposed versions.
Under one option, Trump would be credited with overseeing the renovation and endowment, followed by a reference to the fund bearing his name.
Another says the restoration was overseen by Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.
The earlier board proposal had called for the facade to read that the Center was “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J Trump,” with an additional reference to the fund if it reached its $100 million fundraising target.
The new filing presents a broader range of language as the board weighs how Trump's involvement could be recognized on the building itself.
Court fight still hangs overhead
The inscription plans remain legally contested
US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in May that the Kennedy Center board had exceeded its authority when it unilaterally renamed the institution to include Trump's name.
The judge said Congress established the Center as a “living memorial” to Kennedy and that only Congress could change its official name.
Trump's name was subsequently removed from the building.
The board voted again in August to pursue new signage crediting Trump for renovation and restoration work.
Supporters have argued that acknowledging his contributions does not amount to renaming the institution, while Rep Joyce Beatty has challenged the effort in court.
A judge asked the administration to delay new signage while the legal dispute continues.
What the crisis means now
The proposed inscriptions come as the Kennedy Center confronts its most immediate financial problems yet.
Reuters reported that the institution could face bankruptcy and may be unable to meet payroll or maintenance expenses within weeks.
Internal documents cited by multiple outlets say trustees are considering major renovation and funding decisions as the building faces a growing maintenance backlog.
