Federal Judge Rules Against Trump Name Change for Kennedy Center

A federal court has ruled that the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. must retain its name honoring President John F. Kennedy, blocking efforts to add President Donald Trump's name to the venue. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper stated that the designation is clearly established by Congress and can only be altered by legislative action.

In his ruling, Judge Cooper stipulated that all references to the proposed name "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" must be removed within 14 days. Furthermore, he temporarily blocked plans for a two-year closure of the center to facilitate renovations that were scheduled to begin in July.

The Kennedy Center spokesperson indicated that an appeal is forthcoming, emphasizing the need for urgent restoration work, funded by a congressional approval of $257 million during Trump's presidency. However, the judge noted that the renovation plans and decision-making process surrounding them were poorly defined, questioning the board's preparedness during the proposal discussion.

The ruling arose from a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who argued she had been stripped of her voting rights on the center's board. While the judge's decision does not preclude the center from future closures, it requires that any such decisions be made with due diligence to its mission as a premier arts institution and the memorialization of President Kennedy.