A U.S. judge stated that the Kennedy Center board does not have the authority to rename the National Performing Arts Center after Trump independently, emphasizing that only Congress can do so.
On Friday, a U.S. federal court ruled that adding former President Donald Trump's name to the renowned Kennedy Center violates the law, and ordered a halt to the administration's planned major closure for renovations.
Judge Christopher Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia stated that the Kennedy Center's executive board vote on March 16 to close the cultural and arts center was made without comprehensive information and appeared predetermined, neglecting the organization's legal duties and obligations.
Furthermore, the court found that the Kennedy Center board exceeded its legal authority by unilaterally adding Trump's name to the center.
The judge noted that the name "Kennedy Center" was established by the U.S. Congress, thus only Congress has the legal authority to change the institution's name.
Roma Darawi, vice president of public relations at the Kennedy Center, issued a statement responding to the ruling, affirming the organization's confidence that the appeals court will support the board's decision.
She said the board intends to honor former President Trump's significant historical role with the U.S. National Cultural Center and that the organization will carefully review the ruling details before proceeding to the next steps.
:AP
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