WASHINGTON — A major legal battle erupted in the U.S. capital Friday after a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center unlawfully and ordered its removal from the iconic arts venue within 14 days. The decision also blocks plans to shut down the center for a controversial two-year renovation project.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said the Kennedy Center board exceeded its legal authority when it voted to rename the institution and move forward with a lengthy closure plan. According to the ruling, the Kennedy Center’s name was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, meaning only Congress has the power to change it.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who argued that the board's actions violated federal law and ignored the institution’s historic purpose. Beatty and other critics claimed the renaming effort transformed a national cultural landmark into a political symbol.
The dispute intensified after Trump-appointed trustees voted to rebrand the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center,” a move that immediately sparked backlash from lawmakers, historians, preservation groups, artists, and members of the Kennedy family. Opponents argued that a memorial created by Congress cannot be renamed through a simple board vote.
Judge Cooper's ruling was particularly critical of the board's decision-making process, describing the closure vote as “ill-informed and seemingly preordained.” The court found that trustees failed to properly consider legal obligations before approving plans that would have closed one of America's most recognized performing arts venues for two years.
The decision represents another setback for Trump's broader effort to reshape major landmarks and institutions in Washington. In recent months, his administration and allies have pushed ambitious renovation proposals and branding changes involving several high-profile federal sites, drawing both support and legal challenges.
Supporters of the renaming argued Trump deserved recognition for helping secure funding and modernization plans for the center. Kennedy Center officials signaled they are likely to appeal the ruling and expressed confidence that higher courts may ultimately side with the board.
For now, however, the court's order means Trump's name must come down, renovation-related closure plans are frozen, and the future of one of America's most important cultural institutions remains uncertain as the legal battle heads toward its next phase.