Judge Blocks Renaming and Closure of Kennedy Center

A federal judge has halted plans that would have temporarily closed the Kennedy Center for renovations, as well as the decision to rename the institution after President Trump. In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper sided with Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a Kennedy Center Board trustee, who had filed a lawsuit challenging these decisions.

Cooper’s 94-page opinion determined that the board lacked the authority to unilaterally rename the Kennedy Center. He ordered the removal of Trump’s name from all signage, both physical and digital, as well as official materials associated with the Center. The judge emphasized that Congress had named the Center after President Kennedy and that only Congress had the power to change it.

Regarding the proposed closure, Cooper criticized the board’s decision process, stating it was based on incomplete information and failed to consider the full consequences of shutting down operations. He described the decision to close for renovations as “ill-informed and seemingly preordained.” Although Cooper ruled that Joyce Beatty had been wrongfully stripped of her voting rights at a board meeting related to the closure decision, he allowed the anticipated repair work to move forward, recognizing its necessity.

While this decision does not prohibit reconsideration of closing the Center in the future, Cooper’s ruling emphasizes adherence to the minimum legal requirements. A separate legal challenge by the D.C. Preservation League was denied later that same Friday.

“Today’s ruling rightly affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename and close the Center have no basis in law,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “The Kennedy Center belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump.”

Roma Daravi, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, expressed optimism about a future appeal in favor of the board’s actions, highlighting $257 million secured for repairs by Trump and approved by Congress. These resources, she stated, are intended to restore the Center as a national cultural landmark.

President Trump initiated the renaming when he replaced several board members with his allies, subsequently being elected chair. The board’s quick action led to the name “The Trump Kennedy Center” being added to the facade and website following a board vote in December. However, many in the performing arts community opposed these changes, leading to canceled performances and departures within the Kennedy Center’s administration.