A federal judge has blocked plans to place President Donald Trump’s name on the Kennedy Center. The judge ruled that changes honouring him cannot proceed without approval from Congress.
According to the Associated Press, US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the ruling after the Trump-aligned Kennedy Center board voted in August. In particular, the board had agreed to add an inscription crediting the president with restoring and renovating the performing arts venue.
The proposed inscription would have read: “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump.”
Another proposal would have added Trump’s name if a fundraising initiative known as the Trump Kennedy Center Fund reached $100 million.
“Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’s blessing,” Cooper ruled.
Congress must approve changes
Cooper had previously ruled in May that only Congress could approve changes to the Kennedy Center’s official name.
The Trump administration argued that the latest plan did not amount to renaming the institution. Instead, it was intended to recognise Trump’s role in fundraising and renovation efforts.
Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board, welcomed the ruling.
“The law is extremely clear: The John F. Kennedy Center is named for President Kennedy – and no one else,” Beatty said.
The dispute follows wider changes at the cultural institution since Trump returned to office. These changes include a reshaping of its leadership and board.
The latest court decision prevents the proposed Trump inscriptions from going ahead unless Congress authorises them.
