Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declined to commit to removing Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center, despite a federal judge’s order requiring the change within two weeks. The center, officially named for President John F. Kennedy, has become the center of a legal and political dispute.
Judge Orders Name to Remain Kennedy Center
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the 1964 statute creating the Kennedy Center explicitly names it for President Kennedy. “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Judge Cooper wrote.
The controversy began in December 2025, when the center’s board voted to rename the institution the “Trump Kennedy Center.” Eighteen new letters were added to the building’s facade, reading: “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The change was also reflected in the center’s website and promotional materials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, citing Trump’s efforts to save the building.
Trump’s Renovation Plans and Criticism
Trump, who became chairman of the Kennedy Center earlier this year, announced a roughly two-year closure for renovations beginning in July. All board members, selected by Trump, approved the plan. Secretary Burgum defended the refurbishment, citing structural and HVAC issues, while Trump described the building as “rusted, rotted, and rat and bug infested.”
Judge Cooper called the board’s decision “ill-informed and seemingly preordained” and temporarily blocked the closure. The ruling does not prevent the board from reconsidering the closure with adequate information to make an independent decision while preserving Kennedy’s legacy.
Trump Attacks Judge and Legal System
Trump responded on Truth Social, criticizing Judge Cooper and his wife, attorney Amy Jeffress, and claiming he could not receive fair treatment. He described the decision as motivated by partisanship and said he canceled his involvement with the center due to the “Highly Conflicted, Crooked Federal Judge.”
Impact on Programming and Artists
Trump’s takeover has already disrupted the Kennedy Center’s programming. Several performers withdrew, including folk singer Kristy Lee and the jazz ensemble the Cookers.
Longstanding events such as the Christmas Eve jazz performance hosted by Chuck Redd were canceled. Even the producers of Hamilton canceled their planned performance, citing concerns over the center’s new direction.
Tony Award-winning creator of Hamilton told the New York Times, “The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center.”
