Federal Judge Orders Trump Name Removed From Kennedy Center
A federal judge ruled Friday that the Kennedy Center board violated the law by adding President Donald Trump's name to the venue and ordered the name removed within two weeks. The same ruling blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations.
VarietyA federal judge on Friday ordered the Kennedy Center to remove President Donald Trump's name from the building and blocked the board from closing the venue for two years. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that only Congress can change the center's name. The judge said the board acted without authority when it added Trump's name in December.
" He ordered officials to remove all references to Trump from signage and the website within 14 days. The ruling also halted the board's March decision to close the center starting in July. Cooper found the board relied on incomplete information and failed to consider its duty to maintain programming.
The board added Trump's name after President Trump appointed new trustees. The change prompted several artists to cancel scheduled performances. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio filed the lawsuit challenging both the name change and the closure plan.
Cooper allowed renovations to continue but said any future closure decision must follow proper review. " — U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, May 29, 2026 (multiple outlets) The judge noted the center still needs repairs and left open the possibility of a future closure if the board follows legal requirements.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- December 2025
Kennedy Center board voted to add President Donald Trump's name to the venue.
4 sourcesNewsweek · Deadline · CBSNews · Variety - March 2026
Board approved plan to close the center for two years starting in July.
3 sourcesDeadline · CBSNews · Variety - May 29, 2026
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered removal of Trump's name and blocked the closure.
7 sourcesNewsweek · CNN · Deadline · Variety
Potential Impact
- 01
Kennedy Center must update website and remove physical signage within 14 days.
- 02
Board may still pursue renovations if it follows statutory requirements.
- 03
Future closure would require new board vote after full review of obligations.
Transparency Panel
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