A federal judge has issued a comprehensive court order requiring the removal of the former president’s name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, according to a detailed 94-page judicial decision.
In the extensive ruling, the judge stated it was “crystal clear” that the performing arts venue was originally designated in honor of the late president John F. Kennedy. The judicial decision emphasized the historical significance of the center’s original naming.
The court order also blocks the arts facility from shutting down its cultural programs and proceeding with a planned two-year closure for renovation work, at least temporarily.
The former president’s name had been incorporated into the Kennedy Center’s official designation in December of 2025, but this recent court ruling now requires its removal from the Washington D.C. cultural landmark.
