Trump Moves to Shift Kennedy Centre Control to Congress After Court Ruling
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to transfer control of the Kennedy Centre to Congress after a federal court blocked his administration’s efforts to rename and close the landmark performing arts venue in Washington.
The announcement followed a judicial ruling ordering the removal of Trump’s name from the centre and stating that any attempt to rename the institution requires congressional approval.
A US district court also directed that all references to the renamed version be removed from official materials, reinforcing that the Kennedy Centre’s name is legally tied to Congress and cannot be changed unilaterally.
In response, Trump said he had instructed officials to coordinate with Congress to shift operational responsibility for the institution, though it remains unclear how the directive will be implemented.
The ruling also halted plans for a temporary closure of the centre for major renovations, while allowing necessary repairs to proceed.
The Kennedy Centre, established as a national cultural landmark in honour of President John F Kennedy, is overseen by a board of trustees and remains one of the most prominent performing arts institutions in the United States.
The dispute comes amid broader debates over proposed redevelopment projects in Washington, some of which are also facing legal challenges.
