Washington: A federal judge ordered the removal of US President Donald Trump's name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and temporarily blocked plans to close the venue for two years, media reports said.
According to Anadolu Agency, US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued two rulings directing Kennedy Center officials to remove Trump's name from the institution within two weeks and preventing further steps toward a planned closure scheduled to begin in July. These decisions are the result of lawsuits challenging actions taken by Kennedy Center leadership following the Trump administration's involvement in the institution's affairs.
One of the lawsuits was filed by Democratic member of Congress Joyce Beatty, who contested a board vote that had renamed the center 'The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.' Another lawsuit was brought by architectural and historic preservation groups, arguing that renovation plans need to undergo federal review processes, including historical preservation and environmental assessments, before any work can begin.
Trump has pursued controversial building projects in Washington, including demolishing the East Wing of the White House to construct a $1 billion ballroom, erecting a triumphal arch, and altering the color of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Critics claim these projects lack proper authorization and were awarded to no-bid contractors charging high rates.
The plaintiffs expressed objections to changes already made to the Kennedy Center building as well, including repainting exterior columns and adding Trump's name to the facade. Government lawyers countered that Congress had authorized renovation funding through a $257 million appropriation and emphasized that no demolition was planned.
During an April hearing, Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca described the building as suffering from infrastructure issues such as water intrusion, deteriorating structural components, and plumbing failures. Preservation groups argued that previous plans had envisioned making repairs while keeping the center open.
The legal dispute arises amid broader changes at the institution since Trump became board chair in February 2025, following his second term inauguration as president. Several productions have withdrawn, ticket sales have declined, and staff reductions have occurred, according to the report.
The attempt to change the institution's name is part of numerous efforts to place Trump's name or likeness on government projects and official documents, including US passports, national park passes, airports, a nuclear-powered battleship, and a proposed $250 bill.