Judge blocks Kennedy Center board from putting Trump’s name on the building or grounds in any way

A federal judge on Tuesday ruled against the Kennedy Center board's attempt to add President Donald Trump's name to the iconic performing arts venue, citing a previous decision that his name was illegally added. The board had voted in August to inscribe Trump's name on the building's facade, with the intention of recognizing his renovation efforts.

If the Trump Kennedy Center Fund reached $100 million, an additional inscription would recognize the fund's contribution. The plaza in front of the Kennedy Center would also have been renamed in Trump's honor. Judge Christopher Cooper emphasized that only Congress can approve changes to the Kennedy Center's name. The administration argued that the vote was merely to acknowledge Trump's efforts to secure funding for renovations, but U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, who sits on the board, countered that the changes amounted to "deja vu" and violated the earlier ruling.