Trump Slams Court Over Kennedy Center Ruling
US President Donald Trump has criticised a federal court ruling that blocked moves linked to renaming the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and halting major renovation plans. Trump said no US president had been treated as unfairly by the courts as he had been.
Trump Criticises Kennedy Center Ruling
Trump attacked US District Judge Christopher Cooper after the court ruled that the Kennedy Center could not be officially renamed without congressional approval. The ruling found that the institution’s name, established by Congress in honour of former President John F. Kennedy, cannot be changed through a decision by the board of trustees alone.
Trump said the courts had repeatedly interfered with his administration’s decisions and accused the judge of blocking efforts to improve the cultural institution.
Kennedy Center Name Change Blocked
The dispute centres on efforts to add Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center. Trump said the board of trustees had approved the move, but the court held that the board did not have legal authority to formally rename the institution.
The ruling also blocked plans to close the Kennedy Center for large-scale renovation work. Trump claimed the building had suffered years of neglect, financial losses and maintenance problems.
Trump Seeks Congressional Transfer
Trump said his administration would work with Congress to transfer responsibility for the Kennedy Center back to Congress. He also said he had directed the Department of Commerce to prepare arrangements for the institution’s operation, maintenance and management.
The controversy comes as Trump’s administration faces multiple legal setbacks involving tariffs, immigration measures, federal workforce changes and other executive actions.
