Judge Rules Against Adding Donald Trump's Name to Kennedy Center

On September 15, 2026, Judge Christopher Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Donald Trump's name cannot be added to the Kennedy Center, stating that such an action would violate federal law. The ruling came in response to an emergency motion aimed at blocking the Kennedy Center's board, which includes Trump supporters, from making the proposed additions. Cooper emphasized that memorials for Trump cannot be installed without Congressional approval, referencing a previous court order that mandated the removal of Trump's name from the building. The Kennedy Center had complied with this order, covering its façade with a tarp. Despite this, the board passed a resolution on August 13, 2026, to honor Trump by adding a line to the façade and designating the site as 'President Donald J. Trump Plaza.' Cooper granted a motion filed by U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) to block these additions, reinforcing that the center should only memorialize President Kennedy. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, criticized the judge's ruling and expressed his belief that he could restore the Kennedy Center. He claimed the building was in disrepair and that he had the necessary resources and authority to improve it. Trump also expressed frustration over the legal proceedings, stating that time was against them. Variety has sought comments from representatives of the Kennedy Center.