In a significant ruling, a judge has determined that the Kennedy Center must eliminate former President Trump's name from its premises. This decision reaffirms the center's commitment to honoring John F. Kennedy.
The ruling, which spans 94 pages, emphasizes the importance of the center's dedication to Kennedy and the values he represents.
Additionally, the judge has prohibited the Kennedy Center from closing for renovations for a period of two years, ensuring continued access to the public.
Updates
Update at 22:55 UTC on 2026-05-29
DW News reported Trump criticized the ruling, saying the judge "should be ashamed of himself," but will hand the venue over to Congress.
Sources: DW News
Update at 22:13 UTC on 2026-06-04
Politico reported Kennedy Center memo directs staffers to remove Trump’s name from the arts center Politico.
Sources: Politico
Update at 20:08 UTC on 2026-06-12
AP News reported Trump's name poised to be removed from Kennedy Center after judge denies last-minute move to keep it AP News.
Sources: AP News
Update at 00:43 UTC on 2026-06-13
NPR News reported On Friday, a federal judge denied an appeal by the Kennedy Center's board of trustees for a stay on the removal of President Trump's name from the building. Then the Trump administration filed for an emergency stay, and that too was denied. NPR News reported A judge rejected a request to pause a court-ordered deadline of Friday to remove references to President Trump from the building. The institution appealed, an effort that was also rebuffed Friday evening.
Sources: NPR News