A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to remove Donald Trump’s name from the arts complex, which was added in December 2025. The ruling was issued in a 94-page decision, stating it was “crystal clear” that the center was named for President John F. Kennedy.
The judge also ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot proceed with plans to wind down programming or close for two years of renovations, at least for now. The decision underscores the legal challenges surrounding the branding of the center and its historical ties to President Kennedy.
The Kennedy Center has not yet responded to the ruling. The decision marks a significant development in ongoing debates over the use of presidential names on public institutions.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
