By Kashmira Konduparty
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has begun removing President Donald Trump’s name from official materials and signage after a federal judge ruled that the institution’s renaming was not authorized under federal law, according to a report by Reuters.
The move follows a decision by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who found that the Kennedy Center’s board exceeded its authority when it votes in December 2025 to rename the Washington arts institution as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.” Cooper ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the center’s name, which was established by federal statute as a memorial to former President John F. Kennedy.
READ: Kennedy Center to close soon; Ric Grenell to exit as Trump announces new leadership (March 17, 2026)
In an internal memo, Kennedy Center officials directed staff to remove references to Trump’s name from email signatures, letterheads, brochures, websites and other materials by June 12. The institution will revert to its original legal name, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The dispute stems from a broader overhaul of the Kennedy Center that began after Trump took control of the institution’s leadership during his second term. Trump appointed allies to the board and later became chairman of the organization. In December 2025, the board voted to add Trump’s name of the center, a move supporters described as recognition of his efforts to revitalize the institution. Critics argued the board lacked the legal authority to make such a change.
The lawsuit challenging the renaming was filed by Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board. Beatty argued that Congress alone has the power to rename the federally chartered institution. The court agreed, concluding that the board had acted beyond its statutory authority.
READ: Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to be named after Trump (December 19, 2025)
The ruling also blocked a planned closure of the Kennedy Center for extensive renovations. Judge Cooper found that the board had not followed the legal procedures required for such a move and ordered the institution to continue operating while any future renovation plans are considered.
Following the decision, Trump criticized the ruling and announced plans to transfer responsibility for the Kennedy Center’s operations back to Congress. He said the court’s restrictions made it difficult to carry out his vision for the institution and broader plans to reshape cultural landmarks in Washington.
The Kennedy Center said it is complying with the court order while evaluating its legal options. The case represents the latest chapter in a months-long battle over the future of one of the nation’s most prominent performing arts venues, which has become a focal point in disputes over executive authority, federal oversight and the preservation of national cultural institutions.