Federal judge orders removal of president's name from Kennedy Center

A federal judge ruled on May 29 that the Kennedy Center board lacked authority to add the sitting president's name to the institution. The court found that the center's founding statute reserves naming rights for Congress. The ruling requires the name to be removed from the building. The decision also rejected plans to close the venue for two years of renovations.

Background on the dispute The Kennedy Center board had voted unanimously to rename the building. Officials said the change would recognize the president's support for renovations. The court held that the board exceeded its legal authority under the original statute dedicating the venue to President John F. Kennedy.

Allegations of conflict of interest The president stated that the judge's wife has represented clients connected to prior investigations and currently serves as personal attorney to former President Joe Biden. The statement described these relationships as creating a conflict. The judge was appointed in 2014. Court records show the couple married in 1999.