The historic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must remove President Donald Trump's name from its official name by June 12, after a federal judge determined that the board of directors exceeded its powers in approving the change.

The decision was issued by federal judge Christopher Cooper, who ruled in favor of Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, a member of the cultural center's board. The lawsuit challenged both the institution's name change and the plan to close its facilities for two years due to an ambitious renovation project.

Judge forces to restore the original name

According to an internal memo obtained by CBS News, attorneys for the venue have already instructed staff to immediately begin restoration of the original name: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The document orders the modification of email signatures, letterheads, official documents and any institutional reference that includes Trump's name. Additionally, it establishes that physical and digital signage must be corrected before the deadline set by the court.

In his resolution, Cooper noted that the board did not have the authority to unilaterally make a change of this magnitude, especially for an institution created by federal law and linked to the legacy of former President John F. Kennedy.

Renovations and uncertain future of the venue

The controversy also involves a renovation plan valued at $257 million, which includes important structural works. Although the judge acknowledged that the improvements are necessary, he clarified that his decision does not prevent an eventual closure of the center, as long as the board reassesses the project in accordance with the corresponding legal procedures.

“The court does not intend to dictate how the Center should be managed,” Cooper wrote in his ruling. “It simply requires that the board meet the minimum requirements established by law.”

For her part, Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, stated that the institution will comply with the order while analyzing the legal options available. “We are complying with the court decision as we evaluate how to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump's leadership,” he said.

The dispute comes after Trump replaced several board members with allies and officials in his administration, who subsequently pushed for the name change. The measure generated criticism from legislators, legal experts and figures in the artistic world, some of whom canceled scheduled performances at the venue.

With the court order now in place, Washington's iconic cultural center is preparing to officially regain the name it has carried for decades.

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