Judge halts adding Trump’s name to Kennedy Center, says Congress approval needed

Judge blocks adding Trump’s name to Kennedy Center, ruling Congress approval required for such renaming decision.

Judge halts adding Trump’s name to Kennedy Center, says Congress approval needed
Liberal News
Publish: 16.09.2026
A+
A-

Judge blocks Kennedy Center renaming bid, cites need for congressional approval

A U.S. judge has barred the Kennedy Center board from adding President Donald Trump’s name to the performing arts building, ruling that such an inscription requires approval from Congress and cannot be added under the board’s recent actions, the court said on the same day it had previously ordered removal of the name and blocked a temporary closure for proposed renovations.

The board, chaired by the president and composed of cabinet members and allies, approved an August resolution calling for the inscription “Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump” to be placed on the building, according to court records.

The judge indicated the inscription could be reinstated only if the administration raises $100 million for the venue, a condition outlined in the ruling.

Last year President Trump announced plans to add his name to the institution and to pursue other rebranding measures across the capital. In February 2025 he replaced several trustees on the center’s board, appointed himself as a trustee and was subsequently voted in as the arts center’s chairman.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The court’s order reiterates that board actions to affix the president’s name require congressional approval, the ruling notes the August resolution and sets a $100 million fundraising condition for any inscription to be added, and the judge’s earlier mandate removed the name and blocked a temporary closure tied to renovation plans.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • Judge blocked Kennedy Center board from adding President Trump’s name, citing need for congressional approval.
  • Court had earlier ordered removal of the name and blocked closure for proposed renovations.
  • Judge said the name could be added only if $100 million is raised for the venue.
, ,
Liberal News
Liberal News
Leave a Comment


Comments - 0 Comment

No comments yet.