Federal judge orders Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center and blocks planned closure

Why did the judge say the name change was unlawful?

Judge Cooper said the Kennedy Center’s governing statute, enacted by Congress in 1964, names the institution for President John F. Kennedy and makes it a memorial to him. Because Congress set that name in law, the judge said only Congress can change it Deutsche Welle,NYT,Forbes,Hindustan Times.

What exactly must the Kennedy Center do now?

Under the order, the center must remove Trump’s name from the institution’s title, façade, other physical or digital signage, and official materials within 14 days. The planned temporary shutdown for renovations was also blocked, though one report says the judge indicated capital repair work could still proceed BBC,BBC,Hindustan Times,NY Post.

What happens next?

The Kennedy Center said it would appeal the order, so the legal fight is continuing. Separately, Trump said he would end his involvement in the renovation effort and pursue arrangements to return responsibility for the institution to Congress BBC,BBC,ANSA.it.