President Trump’s name must come off of the Kennedy Center, judge rules : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-05-29 15:33:00 — www.npr.org
Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Plans for Kennedy Center
A federal judge has ruled against President Trump’s attempt to add his name to the Kennedy Center, affirming that the Washington, D.C. arts complex is named for the late President John F. Kennedy. In a decision issued on Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper also temporarily halted plans for a two-year renovation of the center, which was scheduled to begin in July.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Cooper stated, “The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so. Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”
Trump’s Response
In response to the ruling, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Judge Cooper, claiming the Kennedy Center is financially and structurally troubled. He expressed his intention to work with Congress to relinquish the administration’s oversight of the center, stating, “Unless I am free to do what I do better than anyone else, bring this Institution back, physically, financially, and artistically, I have no interest in continuing what could only be a hopeless journey into ‘NEVER NEVER LAND.’
Signage and Renovation Plans
As part of his ruling, Judge Cooper ordered the removal of all signage and online materials referring to the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” or any similar names within 14 days. The judge also blocked the planned closure of the Kennedy Center for renovations, citing that the board members lacked sufficient information to make a well-considered decision.
False Claims Addressed
Judge Cooper noted that Trump’s claims regarding a “one year review of the Trump Kennedy Center” involving contractors and experts were unfounded. The judge wrote, “There was no ‘one year review of the Trump Kennedy Center, that has taken place with Contractors, Musical Experts, Art Institutions, and other Advisors and Consultants, deciding between’ complete and partial closure, as President Trump claimed.”
Legal Context
The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who argued that the administration’s efforts to rename and close the center lacked legal basis. Beatty stated, “Today’s ruling rightly affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename and close the Center have no basis in law. The Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump. He has desecrated this sacred memorial for his own vanity.”
Conclusion
The ruling underscores the legal protections surrounding the Kennedy Center’s name and mission, reinforcing that it is a public institution rather than a personal project of any individual. As the Kennedy Center navigates its future, the court’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to established laws and the will of Congress.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/29/nx-s1-5839349/president-trump-kennedy-center-name-judge-order