CBC Denounces Trump Administration’s Efforts to Silence Rep. Joyce Beatty in Kennedy Center Renaming

Published by GDN December 26, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“The Congressional Black Caucus stands in full support of Chair Emerita Congresswoman Joyce Beatty for her courage and integrity in speaking out after her voice was deliberately silenced during the controversial Kennedy Center renaming process. As an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center Board, Rep. Beatty had both the right and the responsibility to participate fully in its proceedings and to express her principled opposition. Instead, she was repeatedly muted and prevented from doing so.

“To make matters worse, the Trump Administration has attempted to falsely characterize the outcome of a vote to rename the Kennedy Center as unanimous—a blatant misrepresentation that undermines transparency and democratic norms. That is not consensus; it is censorship.

“As Chair Emerita Beatty, members of the Kennedy family, and countless supporters of the fine arts have stated, the effort to bypass Congress and rename the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump is wrong, distasteful, and must be firmly challenged.

“The CBC commends Chair Emerita Beatty for her leadership, resolve, and unwavering commitment to accountability as she continues to oppose any effort that undermines Congress, distorts the truth, or disrespects the legacy of the Kennedy Center.”