Trump Can’t Add Name to Kennedy Center, Judge Rules

A federal judge has blocked former President Donald Trump from unilaterally adding his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. U.S. District Judge Casey Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees cannot, on its own authority, rename any part of the institution or attach a formal commemorative name to it.

In his decision, Judge Cooper stated that the Kennedy Center’s enabling legislation clearly designates it as a “living memorial” to President John F. Kennedy. He emphasized that “it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so.” The ruling effectively prevents the board from approving a proposal, reportedly backed by Trump allies, to rename a theater or plaza after the former president.

Key takeaways from the ruling:

  • Legal basis: The judge cited the original 1958 law creating the Kennedy Center, which mandates its identity as a memorial to JFK.
  • Board’s power limited: The board cannot unilaterally alter the center’s official name or add new memorials without Congressional approval.
  • Political context: The case arose after Trump’s allies on the board sought to rename a venue in his honor, sparking controversy.
  • Next steps: The ruling does not prevent Congress from changing the name in the future, but it halts any immediate board-led action.

The decision was welcomed by preservationists and critics who argued that the Kennedy Center should remain exclusively dedicated to the 35th president.

Source: Rolling Stone – Trump Can’t Add Name to Kennedy Center, Judge Rules