A federal judge has reaffirmed that Congress holds exclusive authority over the naming of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The ruling came during a Tuesday hearing as the Trump-appointed board threatened to shut down the cultural institution, citing financial concerns. Judge Casey Cooper emphasized that any memorials or name changes at the venue require legislative approval, blocking previous attempts to add the president’s name to the building’s facade.
The dispute centers on the Kennedy Center’s need for structural repairs and renovations. While Congress has already allocated $257 million for these projects, administration officials have suggested the center faces potential closure unless additional resources are secured. The board had previously attempted to rebrand the venue as the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,” which a federal court struck down in May for violating legal protocols governing the facility.
Judge Cooper ruled during Monday’s proceedings that the board cannot install any memorials recognizing the president’s contributions to renovations without Congressional consent. The administration’s efforts to circumvent legislative authority drew judicial scrutiny, with the judge signaling that any closure decision would face additional legal challenges. The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between executive actions and Congressional oversight regarding the nation’s cultural landmarks.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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