President Donald Trump criticized the federal judge who halted his Kennedy Center renovation plan. He called the judge “an anti-Trump Hater” and predicted the performing arts center would “soon be closed, probably never to open again.”
In a detailed post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed frustration over the ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. Cooper ordered Trump’s name to be removed from the Kennedy Center. Trump linked this decision to previous legal defeats, such as the Supreme Court’s rejection of his tariffs.
Trump’s post did not clarify if he would defend the project in court. After the ruling, he indicated he might give control back to Congress. The White House did not immediately clarify his role as board chairman.
Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer, mentioned that Trump’s withdrawal from the project gave hope to artists. “As the court’s order is implemented, including Trump’s name coming off the building, I’m optimistic that the Center will begin its return to non-partisan normality,” Eisen said.
Without evidence, Trump suggested Judge Cooper’s wife influenced the ruling. Amy Jeffress is a lawyer and former federal prosecutor who served during President Obama’s administration. Trump noted Jeffress’ firm represents former President Joe Biden in a lawsuit against the DOJ.
Trump claimed the Kennedy Center was “rusted, rotted, and rat and bug infested” and his planned renovation would vastly improve it. Cooper disagreed, stating the board’s decision to close the venue was “ill-informed.” The court halted renovation plans, which were to start in July.
Cooper also noted the board unlawfully added Trump’s name to the center, a move Congress alone can authorize. Trump’s name must be removed within two weeks.
Trump insisted the board, not him, chose to add his name to the center, thinking it beneficial. He had replaced the center’s previous leadership after taking office in January 2025.
The court heard parallel lawsuits against the renovation project. A lawsuit by cultural preservation groups and another by Rep. Joyce Beatty challenged the plans. Judge Cooper favored Beatty’s case but rejected the other.
Trump highlighted Jeffress’ firm defended E. Jean Carroll, who won monetary awards in lawsuits against Trump. Carroll received $5 million for sexual abuse and defamation claims. Another jury awarded her $83 million for defamation; these are under appeal.