A federal judge has ordered the removal of former President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on what would have marked the 109th birthday of President John F. Kennedy. Maria Shriver, a prominent journalist and niece of JFK, has expressed her delight at the ruling, labelling it a fitting birthday tribute to her uncle.
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The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama. In a comprehensive 94-page decision, Cooper stated that the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center had acted unlawfully when they decided to add Trump’s name to the institution. He specified that the facility has long been dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Kennedy, and that only Congress has the authority to alter its designation.
In his ruling, Judge Cooper highlighted the importance of the original legislation that established the Kennedy Center in 1964, shortly after JFK’s assassination in 1963. He underscored that the institution must retain its identity as a memorial to Kennedy, stating, “The Kennedy Center’s organic statute makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so.”
Shriver, the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and a vocal critic of Trump’s actions, took to social media to celebrate the judge’s decision. She referred to it as an “appropriate birthday present” for her uncle, acknowledging the significant legal implications of the ruling. “I know they’ll probably appeal and the story isn’t over,” she conceded, still maintaining that the ruling was cause for celebration.
The decision not only mandates the removal of Trump’s name but also halts plans for extensive renovations to the centre that were expected to take two years. Judge Cooper’s ruling serves as a potential significant setback for Trump and his administration, who had promoted the name addition as part of a grand vision for the arts centre.
Trump did not take the news lightly, venting his frustrations in a post shared on Truth Social. He characterised the ruling as a reflection of the Left’s agenda, claiming they prioritise opposing him over supporting the arts. Trump’s statement conveyed a willingness to “work with Congress” to potentially transfer control of the Kennedy Center back to them, implying a restructuring of its management moving forward.
In his lengthy statement, he also expressed doubts about continuing any efforts associated with the centre, describing the situation as a “hopeless journey into ‘NEVER NEVER LAND’” unless he had the freedom to exercise his recognised abilities in revitalising it both financially and artistically.
Maria Shriver has strongly opposed the decision to attach Trump’s name to the Kennedy Centre, which she believes undermines its significance as a memorial to her uncle. In December 2025, following the board’s vote to add Trump’s name, she expressed her disbelief on Instagram, stating, “It is beyond comprehension that this sitting president has sought to rename this great memorial dedicated to President Kennedy.” Her remarks highlighted the broader public concern regarding the legacy and purpose of national institutions.
As the situation develops, it appears likely that appeals will follow to challenge Judge Cooper’s ruling. The outcome of this case might set a crucial precedent concerning the naming of cultural landmarks and the interpretation of legislative intent surrounding them.
In the meantime, Maria Shriver and many others will await the next steps, hopeful that the Kennedy Center will remain dedicated solely to the legacy of John F. Kennedy, preserving the enshrined values and memories associated with his presidency.