Court Orders and Construction Plans for Washington Institutions

By August 20, 2026 / 2:45 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — President Trump’s legal battles continue as his ambitious projects at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts and the White House progress. Recent court filings offer detailed insights into the ongoing developments at these locations.

Kennedy Center Developments

The Kennedy Center’s board of trustees, led by President Trump, is advancing plans to prominently feature his name on the building once again. This follows a court decision that previously banned the inclusion of his name on the facade. The board has resolved to inscribe the building with the words: “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.” Additionally, when the Trump Kennedy Center Fund accumulates $100 million, another inscription will commemorate the endowment. Furthermore, the area around the Kennedy Center will be named “President Donald J. Trump Plaza.” Changes will begin no earlier than September 8.

Legal representatives of Rep. Joyce Beatty, an Ohio Democrat who opposed these changes, have addressed concerns about potential damage to the building’s marble facade. This is due to both previous installations and ongoing work. The government has erected scaffolding and a protective covering to manage repairs and safeguard the iconic structure.

White House Ballroom Project

The construction of a new White House ballroom is another focal point for President Trump. The plans faced legal opposition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, resulting in a preliminary injunction issued in March. Although below-ground security-related work continues, the U.S. District Judge Richard Leon kept some aspects on hold.

A declaration by Joshua Fisher, White House director for management and administration, highlights the scale of the ballroom project. Backed by private donations, the project has raised $355 million out of a targeted $400 million. An extensive crew operates 20 hours daily, seven days a week, with 65% completion reported. Fisher expects the structure to include facilities such as bomb shelters and medical areas, embodying high security standards. By August 2028, the entire project should conclude with a completion date set before the end of Trump’s term.

As of now, significant materials including 6.4 million pounds of rebar and 18,000 cubic yards of concrete have been used. There are plans to install additional steel, plumbing, and mechanical elements. The project includes impressive architectural features such as Corinthian columns, specifically crafted from Indiana limestone carved in Italy.