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Or sign-in if you have an account.The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 10, 2026. A U.S. judge on May 29, 2026 ruled that the famed venue has been illegally renamed to include President Donald Trump and that his name must be taken down. Photo by Mandel NGAN/AFP via Getty ImagesA U.S. judge on Friday ruled that the famed Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been illegally renamed after President Donald Trump and that his name must be taken down.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. 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Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor“The Court has concluded that the Board overstepped its statutory bounds by unilaterally renaming the Kennedy Center after President Trump,” Judge Christopher Cooper ruled.The arts venue in the heart of Washington, D.C., was named in honor of slain president John F. Kennedy. Last December, the center’s governing board, which is stacked with Trump allies, voted to rename itself the “Trump Kennedy Center.”The Republican president’s name was soon added to the facade in large golden letters above that of Kennedy.Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againCooper’s ruling stated that only Congress has the right to change the center’s name and gave the administration 14 days to remove Trump’s name from the facade and any materials linked to the venue.“Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”Cooper also issued a temporary block on Trump’s demand to close the Kennedy Center for two years of renovations.Since returning for a second term in January 2025, Trump has taken repeated measures to put his name and image in official spaces — an abrupt break with U.S. political tradition.The disbanded U.S. Institute of Peace has been renamed after Trump and his face stares down from huge banners outside the Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture.The Trump administration is seeking to have his image on a US$250 bill to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary since independence from the British Empire.In another upending of tradition, Trump ordered the East Wing of the White House to be torn down — with little public warning or debate — to make way for what he says will be a huge ballroom.Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. 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