Federal Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled Tuesday that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts cannot inscribe President Trump's name on its exterior, blocking a board resolution proposing the phrase "renovated and restored by President Donald J. Trump." The decision upholds Cooper's May order that renaming the center as the Trump-Kennedy Center was unlawful without Congressional approval. "Simply put, defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress's blessing," Cooper wrote, calling the new proposal "linguistic gymnastics" that violated his prior injunction.

The conflict began in December when the Trump-allied board affixed the president's name to the building after securing $257 million for renovations. After Cooper ordered the letters removed in May, the center erected scaffolding and tarps that remain in place. Last month, the board voted to restore Trump's name via inscription, arguing it was crucial for the president's continued support. Justice Department lawyers warned that blocking recognition would cause donors to flee and structural rehabilitation to stop.

Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex officio board member suing the center, objected furiously, calling the effort a "breathtaking act of defiance." Trump responded on social media, labeling Cooper "very hostile and conflicted" and claiming the center is in a "virtual state of collapse." The judge declined to rule on a proposed "endowed by The Trump Kennedy Center Fund" inscription, noting the fund has not raised the required $100 million, but signaled such language would also violate his order.