Judge bars Trump from renaming Kennedy Center, blocks renovations

A federal judge has prohibited President Donald Trump from renaming the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after himself, ordering the removal of his name from the building's facade within two weeks. U.S. District Judge Casey Cooper ruled on May 29, 2026, that the institution's name can only be changed by an act of Congress.

Cooper's 94-page decision emphasized that the law establishing the Kennedy Center explicitly states it must retain the name of the assassinated president. He found that the center's leadership lacked the authority to unilaterally approve the name change. "Congress gave its name to the Kennedy Center, and only Congress can change it," Cooper stated, reinforcing the judicial decision that halted one of the Trump administration's initiatives.

In addition to blocking the name change, the judge also suspended the administration's plan to close the iconic cultural venue for two years to undergo renovations. The Kennedy Center was scheduled to suspend operations starting July 4, 2026, as part of the White House-promoted renewal project. However, this measure is now on hold pending further judicial proceedings.

The ruling comes after months of controversy surrounding changes within the center's leadership, which saw several directors replaced by individuals linked to the Republican Party following Trump's return to the White House in February 2025. These changes faced significant backlash from artists and cultural organizations, leading to canceled performances and artists vowing not to participate in center-organized events. The planned renovations and potential closure also coincided with a drop in ticket sales and the cancellation of scheduled shows.

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