Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Attempt to Rename Kennedy Center
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., blocked President Trump’s effort to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the “Trump Kennedy Center” and to close it for two years. Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that only Congress can change the name, and the board’s closure vote was procedurally flawed. The ruling requires Trump’s name be removed within two weeks and halts the closure plan, siding with Rep. Joyce Beatty’s lawsuit.
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Trump loses latest appeals court bid to restore his name to Kennedy Center
A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected President Donald Trump's emergency motion to restore his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The panel ruled that Trump and the Kennedy Center board failed to demonstrate irreparable harm from the name's removal, which occurred on June 12, 2026, following a lower court order. The appeals court noted that the removal had already happened and that no specific evidence was provided that fundraising would be harmed. The court also dismissed a new argument about a fundraising foundation's inability to operate without Trump's name, as it was not raised in district court. The ruling means Trump's name will remain off the venue while his broader appeal of the May 29 order by Judge Christopher Cooper proceeds. Cooper had ruled that only Congress, not the board, can change the center's name, as its organic statute mandates it be named for President John F. Kennedy. Trump had added his name in December after appointing himself to the board.
US Top News and AnalysisJudge Demands Trump Administration Explain Tarp at Kennedy Center
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper has demanded the Trump administration explain the purpose and status of a large white tarp and scaffolding erected at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The tarp was installed on June 13, one day after a court deadline forced the removal of President Trump's name from the theater, which Trump had renamed after himself in December. The tarp obscures much of the building's lettering, leaving it partially readable as 'THE JOHN F. — ORMING ARTS.' Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a Kennedy Center board member who filed the initial lawsuit, called the tarp an 'act of petty defiance.' Her lawyers allege it is an effort to frustrate the restoration of the status quo prior to the renaming. This incident follows Trump's earlier attempt to close the center for two years for 'renovations' after artists canceled performances in protest of the name change, which was also blocked by Cooper. The White House has until July 31 to respond.
The New RepublicKennedy Center Accused of Becoming 'Lifeless Husk' Under Trump in Court Filing
Forbes reports on an escalating legal dispute over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Lawyers for Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) have filed court documents accusing the center, under President Donald Trump's influence, of becoming a 'lifeless husk.' The filing claims the center is violating a court order by keeping large tarps over its facade to hide the removal of Trump's name from the sign, allegedly to 'massage broken egos.' It also accuses the center of dodging a separate order that blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations by failing to reschedule cancelled programming. The center maintains it does not need to schedule new events and that the tarps are for marble repair. The legal battle, which began with Trump's attempt to rename the center without congressional approval, has now reached a federal appeals court after a May ruling ordered the name reversion and blocked the closure.
Forbes - BusinessTrump administration considers partial closure of Kennedy Center despite judge's order
The Trump administration, in a late Friday court filing, indicated it is still weighing a 'partial closure' of the Kennedy Center, despite a prior ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. Judge Cooper had ruled last month that the center's board improperly voted to shut down the iconic performing arts venue. The filing suggests ongoing legal tension over the management and operation of the institution, highlighting a conflict between the administration's actions and judicial authority. The situation involves the future of the Kennedy Center, a major cultural landmark in Washington D.C.
Just In NewsTrump's Name Removed From Kennedy Center After Judge's Order
On June 13, 2026, President Donald Trump's name was ordered to be removed from the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts following a federal judge's ruling. The name had been added in December 2025, changing the signage to 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,' after a board of Trump allies approved the change. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, filed a lawsuit arguing the change required congressional approval. Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in late May that the name change was unlawful, setting a two-week deadline for removal. The Kennedy Center board, including Trump allies, unsuccessfully appealed. Scaffolding and tarp obscured the removal process on Saturday. The ruling also temporarily blocked planned renovations.
Forbes - BusinessJudge keeps order in place to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Centre
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper declined a request to temporarily pause his order requiring the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The judge ruled on May 29 that only Congress has the authority to rename the venue, which serves as a living memorial to former President John F. Kennedy. The Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, which also rejected the government's pause request. The order requires Trump's name to be removed from the building's facade, website, and other materials. The Kennedy Center opened in 1971, and its board voted in December to add Trump's name after he replaced several board members. Trump has also announced a two-year closure for renovations as part of a broader effort to reshape Washington's monumental core.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trump Kennedy Center Name Removal Begins After Court Ruling
The 'Trump Kennedy Center' name is being removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., after a federal judge ruled President Trump's unilateral name change illegal. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stated that Congress gave the center its name and only Congress can change it. Scaffolding has been erected to remove the 'Trump' portion of the signage. The article reports that Trump's takeover of the center, including firing board members and replacing them with loyalists, led to dozens of artists canceling performances and a sharp decline in ticket sales. The ruling rejected the administration's bid to reverse the decision.
The New RepublicTrump Kennedy Center Name Removal Underway After Court Ruling
The 'Trump Kennedy Center' name is being removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., after a federal judge ruled President Trump's unilateral name change illegal. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper determined that only Congress can alter the venue's name, as established by its organic statute. Scaffolding has been erected to remove the 'Trump' portion. The controversy began when Trump fired board members and replaced them with allies, leading to dozens of artists canceling performances and a sharp decline in ticket sales. The ruling rejected the administration's bid to reverse the decision, restoring the original name honoring President Kennedy.
The New RepublicTrump-Kennedy Center Name Removed After Judge Rules Change Illegal
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is having the 'Trump-Kennedy Center' name removed after a federal judge ruled President Trump's unilateral renaming illegal. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stated that only Congress can change the name, as the center's organic statute mandates it be named for President Kennedy. Trump had fired board members and replaced them with loyalists, leading to dozens of artists canceling performances and a sharp decline in ticket sales. Scaffolding has gone up to remove the Trump name, marking the end of the brief 'Trump-Kennedy Center' era that lasted from 2025 to 2026.
The New RepublicKennedy Center Orders Removal of Trump's Name from Building
Lawyers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have ordered President Donald Trump's name stripped from the building by June 12 and immediately removed from marketing materials and staff signatures. The order follows a federal judge's ruling that Trump unlawfully appended his name to the institution, which Congress designated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy Center general counsel's office stated that the Trump-picked board acted beyond its authority. The Washington Post noted that expunging Trump's name would be a tangible setback to his takeover efforts. Trump was reportedly incensed by the ruling, and Kennedy Center leaders indicated plans to appeal. The center is also considering options regarding a judge's temporary halt to plans for a two-year renovation closure.
TheWeek feedKennedy Center Orders Removal of Trump's Name from Building by June 12
Lawyers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have ordered President Donald Trump's name removed from the building by June 12 and immediately from marketing materials and documents. The order follows a federal judge's ruling that Trump unlawfully added his name to the institution, which Congress designated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy Center's general counsel stated that the Trump-picked board acted beyond its authority. The Washington Post noted that expunging Trump's name would be a significant setback to his efforts to take over the venue. The New York Times reported that Trump was incensed by the ruling, and Kennedy Center leaders indicated they plan to appeal. The center is also considering options regarding a judge's temporary halt to plans for a two-year renovation closure.
TheWeek feedKennedy Center Orders Removal of Trump's Name from Building by June 12
Lawyers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts have ordered President Donald Trump's name removed from the building by June 12 and immediately from marketing materials and documents. This follows a federal judge's ruling that Trump unlawfully added his name to the institution, which Congress designated as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy Center's general counsel stated that the Trump-picked board acted beyond its authority. The Washington Post noted that expunging Trump's name would be a significant setback to his efforts to take over the venue. Trump was reportedly incensed by the ruling, and Kennedy Center leaders indicated they plan to appeal. The memo also mentioned that the center is considering options regarding a temporary halt to renovation plans that would have closed the venue for two years.
TheWeek feedKennedy Center Orders Immediate Removal of Trump's Name After Court Ruling
The Kennedy Center instructed staff on June 4, 2026, to immediately begin removing President Donald Trump's name from all literature, signage, the website, letterhead, email signatures, and other materials. This action follows a federal judge's ruling the previous week that the Kennedy Center board exceeded its authority when it voted to add Trump's name to the institution. Staff were directed to restore the original name, 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' or 'the Kennedy Center,' according to a memo obtained by The Washington Post. The article, published by Forbes, cites multiple reports and notes the story is developing.
Forbes - BusinessFederal Judge Rules Trump's Renaming of Kennedy Center Violated Law
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts violated federal law when it renamed the institution after President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper found that the board, chaired by Trump and stacked with his appointees, overstepped its statutory authority by unilaterally adding Trump's name to the Kennedy Center. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio board member who was denied a vote on the name change. The judge emphasized that Congress deliberately named the center in 1964 and that changing it requires an act of Congress. The board had voted in December to rename the venue 'The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,' with Trump's name placed above Kennedy's on the building's portico. Trump expressed outrage on Truth Social, calling the judge 'ashamed of himself.' The decision underscores that the president is not above the law.
Reason.comFederal Judge Rules Trump's Renaming of Kennedy Center Violated Law
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts violated federal law when it renamed the institution after President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper found that the board, chaired by Trump and stacked with his appointees, overstepped its statutory authority by unilaterally adding Trump's name to the Kennedy Center. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio board member who was stripped of her voting rights before the name change. Judge Cooper emphasized that Congress deliberately named the center in 1964 and that changing it requires an act of Congress. The board had voted on December 18 to rename the venue 'The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,' with Trump's name placed above Kennedy's on the building's portico. Trump reacted angrily on Truth Social, calling the judge 'ashamed of himself' but offering no legal counterargument.
Reason.comFederal Judge Blocks Trump's Renaming of Kennedy Center
A federal judge blocked former President Donald Trump's attempt to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the 'Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.' The effort, announced in December 2025, was ruled unlawful because only Congress has the authority to change the name of the federally designated memorial. Judge Christopher Cooper issued a 94-page order requiring the original name to be restored on the building and all official branding within two weeks. The ruling also temporarily blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations. Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming the center will 'collapse, both structurally and financially.' The Kennedy Center said it would appeal the decision. The article characterizes the renaming as one of Trump's 'stupidest efforts to remake Washington, D.C.'
"site:nymag.com" - Google NewsTrump Says Kennedy Center Will 'Soon Be Closed' After Judge Orders His Name Removed
President Donald Trump reacted angrily on Saturday to a federal judge's ruling that blocked his planned two-year renovation of the Kennedy Center and ordered his name removed from the building. In a Truth Social post, Trump called U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper an 'anti Trump Hater' and predicted the performing arts center would 'soon be closed, probably never to open again.' Hours after the decision, Trump said he was backing away from the renovations and making arrangements to relinquish control to Congress. Judge Cooper found that the board 'overstepped its statutory bounds' by adding Trump's name, noting only Congress can change the name given by statute. Trump suggested without evidence that Cooper's wife, lawyer Amy Jeffress, influenced the ruling. Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics lawyer involved in a related lawsuit, expressed optimism that the center could return to non-partisan normality. The White House did not clarify whether Trump would remain board chairman.
Fortune | FORTUNETrump Blasts Wife of Judge Who Ruled His Name Must Be Removed From Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper after the judge ruled that Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized the judge's appointment by former President Barack Obama and attacked the judge's wife for her connections to former President Joe Biden and the House committee that investigated the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. The ruling was issued on Friday, and Trump responded the following Saturday. The article notes this is a breaking story and will be updated.
Forbes - BusinessTrump Blasts Federal Judge Over Kennedy Center Ruling
President Trump issued a statement on Friday criticizing U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, a Barack Obama appointee, for blocking the Trump administration's attempt to add Trump's name to the Kennedy Center. The judge also ruled that board members improperly voted to close the iconic performing arts center for renovations this summer. Trump said the judge should be 'ashamed of himself' for the decision. The ruling halts the administration's move to rename the venue and invalidates the board's closure vote, escalating tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over control of the cultural institution.
Just In NewsUS Court Orders Removal of Trump's Name from Kennedy Center
A US court has ruled that the Kennedy Center in Washington must remove Donald Trump's name from its facade, blocking the president's attempt to rename it the 'Trump Kennedy Center.' The court found that only Congress has the authority to change the name, which was originally given by Congress to honor former President John F. Kennedy. Trump, who took control of the center in January 2025 and dismissed board members, reacted angrily on social media, claiming unfair treatment by the judiciary. Instead of appealing, he canceled planned renovations and said he was 'no longer interested' in the project, transferring responsibility to Congress. The ruling also temporarily blocks Trump's plan to close the center for two years of renovation, citing lack of proper review. The decision comes weeks before Trump's 80th birthday and is seen as a setback to his efforts to leave his mark on Washington's cultural landscape. Critics view his actions as a craving for recognition, while supporters say he is revitalizing the capital.
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