Federal judge ordered Trump's name removed from the facade of the Kennedy Center in Washington
A district court in Washington has forbidden renaming the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in honor of Donald Trump and ordered his name removed from the building's facade, where it was placed late last year, writes the BBC.
Photo: Jason Andrew for The Washington Post via Getty Images
The judge justified his decision by stating that renaming the institution in Washington is impossible without Congressional approval, and also prohibited closing the center for the duration of the planned renovation.
According to the ruling, Trump's name must be removed from the institution's name, its facade, and from any other physical or digital signs and official materials within 14 days.
Trump stated on the social network Truth Social that, in such a case, he is ceasing participation in the reconstruction of the Kennedy Center and has instructed to prepare documents to return "this failing institution" to the care of Congress.
"If I cannot freely do what I do better than anyone else — bring this institution back to life physically, financially, and artistically — I am not interested in continuing what can only be a hopeless journey into 'Nothingsville'," he wrote.
The Kennedy Center for the Arts is the main national theatrical and concert complex in the USA, whose funding is provided by Congress. In February 2025, Donald Trump replaced several trustees on the center's board and appointed himself as a trustee, after which he was elected chairman of this cultural organization.
Later, Trump announced the naming of the institution after himself. In December 2025, a new sign with Trump's full name appeared on the center's facade. These changes, including the renaming, were followed by the cancellation of performances by artists who were scheduled at this venue, as well as a drop in ticket sales.
In February, Trump announced a two-year closure of the institution for major renovations, the start of which was scheduled for July 4, 2026 — "in honor of our country's 250th anniversary."
Board member Joyce Beatty — a Democrat and Congresswoman from Ohio, as well as other former trustees, challenged the changes made by Trump, stating in a lawsuit that they were deprived of voting rights on matters considered by the board.
Later, the plaintiffs amended the lawsuit to also challenge plans to close the institution for renovations.
"Today's decision justly confirms that the current administration's attempts to rename and close the Center have no legal basis," Beatty stated.
"The Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not Donald Trump. He desecrated this sacred memorial for his own ego. I am proud to have fought for the rule of law and the protection of this institution," she added.
An official representative of the center stated that the organization will appeal the district court's decision.
"We are confident that upon review of the appeal, the court will uphold the board's decision to recognize President Trump's historic contribution to our country's cultural center," said Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi.
Daravi also noted that the center disagrees with the decision to suspend renovation work, as it "is in urgent need of extensive restoration."
"Since $257 million was allocated by President Trump and approved by Congress, the necessary resources are available, and we remain committed to utilizing all legal avenues to ensure the restoration of the Trump-Kennedy Center as a national cultural landmark that all Americans can enjoy," she said.
According to Trump's design, the full name of the institution was intended to be "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."
According to the ruling by District Judge Christopher Cooper, the name will be reverted to its previous version — "John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." This is how it was named upon its opening in 1971 in memory of the 35th President of the USA, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963.
"The Kennedy Center Charter quite clearly states that the Center is named in honor of President Kennedy and cannot be renamed or dedicated to another person based on a unilateral decision by the Board," Cooper wrote in his 94-page decision, issued by a judge appointed during the Obama administration.
"Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it," the document states.
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