Trump's name must come off of the Kennedy Center, judge rules

Performing Arts Trump's name must come off of the Kennedy Center, judge rules May 29, 20264:33 PM ET Anastasia Tsioulcas President Donald Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center in December of 2025. This photo was taken in April 2026. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP hide caption toggle caption Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP A federal judge has blocked President Trump from adding his name to the Kennedy Center, saying that the Washington, D.C. arts complex was named for the late president John F. Kennedy. In a ruling on Friday, the judge also temporarily blocked the administration from closing the Kennedy Center for a planned two-year renovation that was slated to begin in July. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper wrote in his ruling that: "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." Sponsor Message A Kennedy Center spokesperson told NPR in an email Friday afternoon that it will appeal the decision. Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the complex, wrote: "We will review the decision carefully though the reality remains — the Center requires an urgent and significant restoration – a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges. With $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, the resources are in place and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy." NPR has requested comment from the White House, but did not receive an immediate reply. Performing Arts Suit asks court to force Trump administration to use 'The Kennedy Center' name As part of his ruling, Judge Cooper ordered that all signage and online materials referring to the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Cen...