Karl Jordan Jr., godson of the musician, was convicted last year of murder in the service of a drug deal. The judge found that the government had not proved the motive.

The Kennedy Center installed President Trump’s name on the facade of the arts center, which had been designated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

The selection of Scott Beardsley by the G.O.P.-appointed board comes after the previous president resigned under pressure from the Trump administration. A new Democratic-appointed board could try to overturn the choice.