Published 1 hour ago • loading... • Updated 60 minutes ago
Judge blocks Kennedy Center board from putting Trump's name on plaza, building
The ruling says only Congress can approve memorials for President Donald Trump at the center, which board members said could help raise $100 million.
On Tuesday, District Judge Christopher Cooper blocked the Kennedy Center board from inscribing President Donald Trump's name on the main building, ruling that such memorials require Congressional approval.
In May, Cooper declared the board's earlier renaming attempts unlawful, establishing that only Congress holds the power to change the facility's official designation.
The board claimed that recognizing Trump is necessary to secure his fiscal oversight and raise $100 million, even though Congress has already appropriated $257 million for renovations.
Following a ceiling collapse reported by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the board shifted Tuesday's agenda to focus exclusively on the facility's "necessary closure" rather than additional Trump tributes.
The proposed closure faces resistance from Rep. Joyce Beatty's team, with lawyer Norm Eisen calling the plan "foolishness" and vowing to contest the board's efforts.