A federal judge ruled that Donald Trump’s name was unlawfully added to the John F. Kennedy Center and ordered its removal, citing a 1964 statute that names the center for John F. Kennedy alone. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declined to commit to complying with the court’s two-week deadline, saying the decision could be appealed. The decision follows a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty that also challenged a planned two-year closure and the board’s removal of her voting rights. For now, the Trump name remains on the building as the legal process continues.
Judge Orders Removal of Trump’s Name From Kennedy Center — Administration Pauses as Appeal Looms
Photo Credit: Al Drago / Getty Images
A federal judge has ordered that Donald Trump’s name be removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, but the name remains on the building while officials weigh whether to appeal.
Court Ruling and Legal Basis
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the 1964 statute establishing the Kennedy Center designates the building to be named for President John F. Kennedy alone. “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote, finding that adding Mr. Trump’s name was unlawful.
Administration Response
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told CNN’s State of the Union that he would not commit to removing the name within the two-week deadline set by the court. Burgum said the ruling might be appealed and described the decision as controversial “on both sides.” As a result, the Trump name remains on the center while the administration and the board consider next steps.
How the Dispute Began
The dispute stems from a December 2025 decision by the Kennedy Center’s board — composed of members appointed by President Trump — to rename the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center.” Workers added 18 letters to the building’s façade so it read: “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The new name also appeared on the center’s website and on event materials.
Lawsuit and Broader Issues
The judge’s order followed a lawsuit brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio Kennedy Center trustee. Beatty challenged the board’s renaming decision, its plan for a two-year closure for renovations, and the board’s removal of her voting rights. Judge Cooper temporarily blocked the planned two-year closure, saying his order “does not bar the board from reconsidering the closure issue in a prudent manner.” He emphasized that any decision to close must be independent and guided by the center’s duty to maintain and operate a premier arts venue.
What Happens Next
For now, the Trump name remains on the building as the legal process plays out and officials weigh whether to appeal. The court made clear that only Congress has the authority to permanently change the Kennedy Center’s official name, setting the stage for a potential legal and political fight over the institution’s future identity.
Sources: Court ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper; statements by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum; lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty; reporting from multiple outlets.
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