Workers began installing scaffolding at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to remove the name of Donald Trump from the building's façade.
The ruling establishes a legal boundary regarding the authority of the Center's board, confirming that only the U.S. Congress has the power to rename the national landmark. The decision prevents the board from unilaterally altering the institution's identity through administrative action.
U.S. District Judge Christopher (Casey) Cooper issued the decision on June 14, 2024 [1]. The judge denied a request from the Kennedy Center to pause the removal process, upholding a court-ordered deadline for the name to be taken down [2].
In his ruling, Judge Cooper said the Kennedy Center's board exceeded its authority by adding President Trump's name without congressional approval [1]. He said the action taken by the board was unlawful because only Congress can rename the Center [3].
Yellow-vested workers were seen on site preparing for the removal on June 14, 2024 [1]. The board of the Kennedy Center has indicated it will comply with the federal mandate to restore the building's original designation.
"We respect the court's decision and will proceed with removing the name as required," a Kennedy Center Board Chair said [4].
“"The Kennedy Center's board exceeded its authority by adding President Trump's name without congressional approval."”
This ruling reinforces the statutory control Congress maintains over the Kennedy Center, a living memorial. By striking down the board's decision, the court has affirmed that the institution's naming rights are not subject to the discretion of its appointed leadership but are instead tied to federal legislative approval.
