Federal Judge Blocks Kennedy Center's Attempt to Rename Building After Trump

<p>A federal judge ruled on September 15, 2026, that the Kennedy Center's attempt to place President Trump's name on the performing arts center violated a previous order that blocked its renaming.</p><p><strong>Details: </strong>The ruling was issued just before the Kennedy Center's board, which includes members supportive of Trump, was scheduled to discuss potential renovations that they argue should include appropriate recognition of Trump on the building.</p><hr /><p><strong>Judge's Statement: </strong>U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper stated, "[l]inguistic gymnastics cannot extricate the Kennedy Center's Board from an operative judicial order or the governing statute it was designed to enforce."</p><ul><li>In May, Cooper ordered the removal of Trump's name from the building, asserting that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the center, which honors President John F. Kennedy.</li><li>The judge prohibited the center from adding an inscription stating "renovated and restored by Donald J. Trump" on the main building or renaming the campus to "President Donald J. Trump Plaza."</li><li>Cooper emphasized, "Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress's blessing."</li></ul><p>This story will be updated as more information becomes available.</p>