Federal judge blocks Kennedy Center closure and orders Trump name removal

A US judge has blocked the Kennedy Center from closing for renovations and ordered Trump's name removed from the building. Judge Christopher Cooper issued his ruling on May 30, 2026. He found that the board acted unlawfully when it added Trump's name, because this requires approval from Congress. The board had voted to shut the venue for two years starting after July 4, 2026. Judge Cooper called this decision "ill-informed," and he also ruled that the board had illegally removed a Democratic congresswoman's voting rights at the meeting where the closure was approved. Trump's name must come down within 14 days. The Kennedy Center has since said it will stay partly open after July 5, with public areas accessible but most performances cancelled.