According to a source with insight into the decision, the measure was justified by the fact that the institution is in a "critical" financial and structural situation, NBC News writes.
Federal Judge Christopher Cooper ruled earlier Tuesday that "memorials to President Trump - or anyone or anything else - cannot be erected at the Kennedy Center without congressional approval."
It was in December 2025 that the White House announced that the prestigious cultural institution's new name would be the Trump-Kennedy Center, to recognize the president's efforts for an upcoming renovation.
Renovation plan rejected
In February 2026, the president of Truth Social announced that the building he named after would be completely renovated and closed for two years.
A few months later, a judge ordered Trump's name to be removed and described the cultural center's approval of the closure as "poorly substantiated."
In August, the Kennedy Center's board of directors voted to restore the president's name to the facade and to move forward with a two-year renovation plan.
Representatives for the Kennedy Center have warned that the institution risks “financial collapse” within weeks unless President Trump’s name is reinstated on the building.
Near bankruptcy
“While actively considering alternative ways to secure the center’s finances, President Trump has offered to step in and raise the funds necessary to save the center from bankruptcy during its much-needed renovation,” court documents published by The Washington Post say.
"If the president's name is not on the building, he will not be able to lead the financial rescue of the center," it continues.
