Why US Judge Ordered To Take Down Trump's Name From Kennedy Center, Blocked Closure Plan

Last Updated:May 30, 2026, 02:16 IST

Judge Christopher Cooper rules the Kennedy Center was illegally renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, orders Trump name removed within 14 days, says only Congress can change its name

In a major setback to Donald Trump, a US judge ruled that the famed Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been illegally renamed after Donald Trump and ordered to take down his name.

The arts venue, located in the heart of Washington, DC, was named in honour of slain president John F. Kennedy. In December last year, the centre was renamed to “Trump Kennedy Center" by the governing board, which is with Trump’s allies.

The president’s name was soon added to the facade in large golden letters above that of Kennedy.

Why US Judge Blocked Trump’s Renaming Bid

Judge Christopher Cooper said tha the Court has concluded that the Board overstepped its statutory bounds by unilaterally renaming the Kennedy Center after President Trump.

Cooper’s ruling stated that only Congress has the right to change the center’s name and gave the administration 14 days to remove Trump’s name from the facade and any materials linked to the venue.

“Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it."

Cooper also issued a temporary block on Trump’s demand to close the Kennedy Center for two years of renovations.

Trump’s Branding

Since returning for a second term in January 2025, Trump has taken repeated measures to put his name and image in official spaces — an abrupt break with US political tradition.

The disbanded US Institute of Peace has been renamed after Trump and his face stares down from huge banners outside the Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture.

The Trump administration is also seeking to have his image on a $250 bill to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary since independence from the British Empire.

In another upending of tradition, Trump ordered the East Wing of the White House to be torn down — with little public warning or debate — to make way for what he says will be a huge ballroom.

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