Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from Kennedy Center
On May 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to remove Donald Trump's name within two weeks. The center had been renamed in December 2025. Judge Cooper pointed out that only Congress has the power to change the name, calling the board's decision, which was appointed by Trump, illegal. This ruling also halted the center's planned two-year closure and required the withdrawal of trademark applications for 'Trump Kennedy Center.' Coincidentally, this announcement came on John F. Kennedy’s 109th birthday, which Maria Shriver called 'a great birthday gift.' The lawsuit was filed by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty in December 2025, with cultural organizations suing separately in March 2026. Trump voiced his dissatisfaction with the ruling on Truth Social.
Key facts
- Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29, 2026 that Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center within 14 days.
- The Kennedy Center was renamed the Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in December 2025.
- Only Congress has the authority to change the center's name.
- The ruling halted plans to close the center for two years.
- All trademark applications for 'Trump Kennedy Center' must be withdrawn.
- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty filed the initial lawsuit in December 2025.
- Eight cultural organizations filed a second lawsuit in March 2026.
- Maria Shriver called the ruling 'a great birthday gift' on JFK's 109th birthday.
Entities
Artists
- Edward Durell Stone
Institutions
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts
- AIA
- ASLA
- Committee of 100 on the Federal City
- DC Preservation League
- Docomomo US
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Society of Architectural Historians
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation
- Cultural Heritage Partners
- Lowell & Associates
- Foley Hoag
- Truth Social
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States