Trump’s name must be removed from Kennedy Center, judge rules A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump cannot have his name added to the Kennedy Center, as only Congress can change its official name. The judge also blocked a planned two-year renovation closure and ordered Trump’s name removed from the facade within two weeks. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit challenging the renaming and closure, with the judge stating the Kennedy Center’s board did not properly balance its obligations.

• A federal judge ordered President Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center facade and signage within two weeks.
• The judge ruled that only Congress can change the Kennedy Center’s name, rejecting the renaming to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’.
• A temporary block was placed on a two-year renovation closure of the performing arts landmark.
• The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty challenging the renaming, closure, and her removal as an ex officio trustee.
• The judge stated the Kennedy Center’s board did not adequately balance its obligations in deciding to close for renovations.
• Beatty’s voting rights as an ex officio trustee were ordered to be restored.
• Trump criticized the judge and stated he would work with Congress to transfer the institution back to them.