Federal Judge Blocks Closure of Kennedy Center and Rules Against Trump's Name Addition

A federal judge has ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot close for renovations and that adding Donald Trump's name to the venue violates federal law. US District Judge Casey Cooper stated that the center must retain its name honoring President John F. Kennedy, as only Congress has the authority to change it. Trump indicated he would transfer control of the center to Congress following the ruling. The judge ordered the removal of any signage referencing Trump's name within two weeks. The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the decision. The ruling is seen as a victory for Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who had sued over the name change and closure plans.