A federal judge rules that the Kennedy Center cannot be renamed for Donald Trump and blocks the center’s planned closure for major renovations. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper halts the Kennedy Center board’s plans after finding the board acted unlawfully when it added Trump’s name to the institution. Multiple outlets report the judge’s reasoning centers on the language of federal law, with the ruling stating that Congress—not the board—has the authority to change the Kennedy Center’s name.

The judge also orders that Trump’s name be removed from the venue. Outlets describe the board’s proposal as part of a rebranding effort, including changing the name to “Trump-Kennedy Center,” following a December board vote. The ruling prevents the facility from closing in July for a multi-year or two-year renovation period while the legal dispute continues.

Trump responds publicly, including commentary on Truth Social, and critics and legal analysts highlight that the case involves the extent to which federal courts may overturn decisions made by the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees. Coverage agrees the judge’s order temporarily stops both the renaming and the closure for repairs.