Judge Orders Trump’s Name Removed From Kennedy Center

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Washington DC: A US judge has ordered the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling that the institution cannot be renamed without approval from Congress.

The decision requires Trump’s name to be removed from the centre’s title, signage, façade and official materials within 14 days. The ruling also blocks plans to temporarily close the Washington arts venue for renovations.

District Judge Christopher Cooper said Congress originally established the centre as the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts and only lawmakers have the authority to change its name.

The case was brought by current and former board members who challenged changes made after Trump took control of the institution’s board in 2025. The lawsuit also opposed plans to shut the venue for a two year renovation project.

The Kennedy Center said it would appeal the ruling. Trump criticised the decision and said he would work with Congress to return control of the institution and continue efforts to restore and renovate the venue.

The dispute follows a series of changes introduced under Trump’s leadership, including renaming the centre and restructuring its board. Those moves drew criticism from some artists and former trustees and were followed by cancellations and a decline in ticket sales.

Under the court order, the venue's official name will revert to the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Pic Credit: AFP