A federal judge has blocked the Kennedy Center from putting President Donald Trump's name anywhere on the building or its grounds, delivering another setback to the board's efforts to honor him during a sweeping renovation.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said the center cannot install memorials or dedications without congressional approval.
"Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress's blessing," Cooper ruled.
The Trump-aligned board had previously voted to add language identifying Trump as the person who "renovated and restored" the center and contemplated naming the grounds the "President Donald J. Trump Plaza." Another inscription could have credited a "Trump Kennedy Center Fund" if fundraising reached $100 million.
The board has argued that Trump's continued involvement is important to the center's financial rescue and renovation. A draft resolution said that without "appropriate recognition," Trump might not provide the oversight or fundraising leadership officials say the center needs.
The dispute comes as the Kennedy Center faces serious financial and structural problems. Its board is considering closing the main building for about two years for a roughly $285 million renovation, while Congress has already appropriated $257 million toward the project.
