Judge Slams Trump: Kennedy Center Name Must Be Yanked Off
A federal judge has ruled that President Trump's name must be stripped from the Kennedy Center, asserting that the arts complex is dedicated to John F. Kennedy and cannot bear any other name. This decision comes as a blow to Trump's administration, which sought to rename the center.
U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper stated unequivocally that the Kennedy Center's statute mandates it be named for President Kennedy. He emphasized that only Congress has the authority to change this designation, not the Board's unilateral decisions.
The Kennedy Center plans to appeal the ruling, according to a spokesperson. Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations, claimed that despite the legal setback, the center requires urgent restoration. With $257 million already secured by Trump and approved by Congress, Daravi insisted they will pursue every legal avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark.
In a fiery post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Judge Cooper for blocking his plans, labeling the Kennedy Center as financially and structurally troubled. He expressed his intent to work with Congress to relinquish oversight of the center, stating he would not continue if he couldn't restore it effectively.
Judge Cooper's ruling mandates the removal of all signage and online references to the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" within 14 days. This includes any mention of the "Trump Kennedy Center."
The judge also halted plans for a two-year closure of the Kennedy Center for renovations. Trump and his appointed board members aimed to initiate these renovations in July, right after the 250th anniversary celebrations. Cooper described the renovation plans as "murky," criticizing the board for lacking sufficient information prior to their decision-making meeting.
Cooper pointed out discrepancies in Trump's claims regarding a supposed review of the Trump Kennedy Center, stating no such comprehensive evaluation had occurred with contractors or experts as Trump suggested.
This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who lost her voting rights on the Kennedy Center board last year. Beatty declared that the ruling confirms the administration's attempts to rename and close the center lack legal foundation. She condemned Trump's actions as a desecration of a sacred memorial for personal vanity.
The ruling does not prevent future closures by the Kennedy Center's board but stipulates that any such decision must be made with adequate information, balancing their duty to maintain a premier arts venue with their obligation to honor President Kennedy.
