The US District Judge ruled that the institution could not be renamed without congressional approval, as federal law explicitly designates it as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

Following the ruling, maintenance crews removed the "Trump" lettering from the building's facade in June 2026.

The Trump administration attempted to block the order, but a federal appeals court unanimously refused to intervene.

In August 2026, the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees - mostly composed of Trump appointees - voted to put his name back on the facade.

The new proposal would alter the wording to read: "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump".

This latest rebranding effort has triggered an emergency lawsuit…