A federal judge has ruled against President Trump adding his name to the Kennedy Center. This decision emphasizes that the Washington, D.C. arts complex must remain named for the late President John F. Kennedy. The court also halted plans to close the center for a two-year renovation starting in July.
In his decision, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper noted, “The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy.” He further stated, “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”
A spokesperson for the Kennedy Center informed NPR that the decision would be appealed. Roma Daravi, the vice president of public relations for the center, highlighted the urgent need for refurbishment. Despite the legal block, $257 million has been secured by President Trump and Congress for the renovation. The center remains determined to proceed while adhering to legal requirements.
NPR sought a statement from the White House but did not receive an immediate response.
Judge Cooper’s order includes the removal of all signage and online references to the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” within 14 days. The ruling also puts a hold on the proposed two-year closure.
Trump and the current Kennedy Center board members, appointed by him, had scheduled the renovations to commence after the 250th anniversary celebrations. Judge Cooper described the renovation plans as “murky,” criticizing the lack of information available to board members before a key meeting on March 16. The center has started scaling back its activities and has let go of most programming staff.
The ruling was influenced by President Trump’s earlier claims that a comprehensive review involving various experts supported the closure. Judge Cooper found no evidence of such a review.
The lawsuit that led to this decision was filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who lost her voting rights on the Kennedy Center board. While the ruling does not completely stop the board from considering future closures, Judge Cooper stressed the necessity for well-informed, independent decisions that honor both the center’s cultural mission and its memorial obligations to President Kennedy.