Trump pledges to withdraw from Kennedy Center after court strikes his name

A federal judge has ruled against Donald Trump's bid to have his name added to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and to close the venue for two years. Judge Christopher Cooper stated that Congress, not the Kennedy Center's board, has the authority to name the building. The ruling requires Trump's name to be removed from all Kennedy Center signage and materials within 14 days. The judge also overturned a Trump-era policy that stripped certain trustees of their voting rights. Additionally, the court rejected the rationale for closing the center for renovations, citing evidence of ongoing plans for its use. In response, Trump has announced his intention to withdraw his leadership from the Kennedy Center.

A US District Judge has ordered the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The judge ruled that the venue cannot be renamed without an act of Congress. The Trump administration has been directed to remove all physical signage and references to a "Trump Kennedy Center" from official materials within 14 days. The judge stated that the Kennedy Center's statute clearly designates it to be named for President Kennedy and cannot bear another formal name based on the board's decision.

A federal judge has ruled that the Kennedy Center board illegally added President Trump's name to the building and blocked the planned closure of the venue for renovations. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stated the board's vote to close the center was "ill-informed" and that only Congress can change the building's name. The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the decision, asserting confidence that the board's actions will be upheld. The ruling came after lawsuits were filed challenging the renovation project and the naming decision. The judge ruled in favor of Representative Joyce Beatty's request but rejected a challenge from preservation groups.