Trump Attacks Judge Over Kennedy Center Renaming Dispute

President Donald Trump attacked U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper on Truth Social, calling him highly conflicted after a legal battle over the renovation and renaming of the Kennedy Center. The dispute centers on a Trump-appointed board's attempt to rebrand the grounds as the President Donald J. Trump Plaza and inscribe the president's name on the building's facade.

Judge Cooper ruled that the building's name can only be changed by an act of Congress and ordered the removal of Trump's name. Trump described the venue as an old and decrepit building in terminal decline that requires major construction and a public relations fix to regain prestige.

The U.S. Department of Justice warned in court filings that the center might need to be demolished if the naming plan and renovations are blocked, claiming donors will only contribute if Trump is recognized. Conversely, Representative Joyce Beatty and other plaintiffs moved to block these actions, arguing that ticket revenue and fundraising decreased when Trump's name was previously added. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the effort, stating that the president enjoys building and remaking the venue.