Key facts
- The Kennedy Center is ordered to remove President Trump's name.
- A federal court ruled the name additions were made illegally without congressional approval.
- Staff must immediately change email signatures and letterhead.
- Other changes, including signage and brochures, must be completed by June 12.
- Trump had added his name to the facade in December, prompting a lawsuit.
- The court also blocked the board's decision to close the center for renovations.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will remove all references to President Donald Trump following a federal court ruling that found the additions were made illegally without congressional approval. A memo from the center's Office of General Counsel instructed staff to immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to revert to the name 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' or 'Kennedy Center.' Other changes, such as signage and brochures, must be completed by June 12. Trump had added his name before Kennedy's on the building's facade in December, prompting a lawsuit from Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, an Obama appointee, ruled that the rebranding violated federal law and reiterated that only Congress can change the center's name. Cooper gave the Kennedy Center 14 days to remove all physical signage referring to a 'Trump Kennedy Center' and eliminate similar branding on other official materials. Cooper's ruling also blocked the board's March decision to close down the Kennedy Center for two years for renovations, ruling that the sweeping closure announced by Trump in February appeared 'ill-informed and seemingly preordained.' However, Cooper stated that repair work may continue and did not bar any future board decision to close the center, provided the board has 'sufficient information to make a considered, independent decision.' The ruling is a setback to Trump's efforts to change Washington's historical landmarks. A spokesperson for the Justice Department stated they were 'pleased' with the decision and would 'continue to defend President Trump's ability to restore the Center.' Trump also posted on Truth Social that he instructed the Commerce Department to 'transfer' the Kennedy Center to Congress, making it responsible for its operation, maintenance, and management.