Kennedy family ‘celebrating’ after Trump’s name ordered to be removed from Arts Center

The Kennedy family has shared their delight over the decision to remove Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Arts Center.

A decision was made earlier this week ordering Trump's name to be removed within two weeks, and also prevented the proposed closure of the arts center for at least two years for renovations.

Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the arts center, and said that Trump’s name must be removed from the center's title, the façade of the center and 'any other physical or digital signage, and official materials.'

John F. Kennedy's niece, journalist Maria Shriver, has shared her joy at the decision, which came on the 109th anniversary of Kennedy's birth.

She called the ruling 'an appropriate birthday present'’ following the victory.

Donald Trump had his name added to the building back in December (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Celebrations

Posting on X, she wrote: “An appropriate birthday present on my uncle’s birthday today. A federal judge ruled that President Trump and the Kennedy Center Board acted unlawfully in renaming the Kennedy Center.

“The judge held that only Congress can change the Center’s name and blocked the planned two-year closure.

“I know they’ll probably appeal and the story isn’t over, but for today let’s celebrate a great birthday gift.”

Another of JFK's nieces, Kerry Kennedy, referred to her previous promise to 'grab a pickaxe and pull those letters off that building' once Trump was out of office.

Following the ruling, she wrote: “Perhaps I won’t need that pickaxe after all. What a great way to celebrate you on your birthday, Uncle Jack!”

Elsewhere, Bernie Sanders also praised the move, writing: "A federal judge just ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center because it honors JFK, not Donald Trump."

He added: "America deserves a president, not a narcissist-in-chief who treats public office as a vehicle for self-promotion and personal enrichment."

Congressman Jerry Nadler called for more: "Glad to see the court agreeing with me—Trump’s name does not belong on the Kennedy Center. Now it’s time to pass my bill and strip his name from ALL federal buildings."

This is how the Arts Center looked before Trump's name was added (Photo by Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Trump's response

Trump reacted to the decision with a post on Truth Social.

The POTUS wrote: “Unless I am free to do what I do better than anyone else, bring this Institution back, physically, financially, and artistically, I have no interest in continuing what could only be a hopeless journey into ‘NEVER NEVER LAND,’” he said.

“There has never been a President of the United States who has been treated so unfairly by the Courts as I but, that’s OK, I will continue to do, what is considered to be, a great job for the wonderful people of our Country.

“I have instructed the Department of Commerce to make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of this Institution, giving them the responsibility for its Operation, Maintenance, and Management.”

Roma Daravi, the centre's vice president of public relations told AP she is 'confident' that their appeal to reverse it would be approved.

She believes a court would 'uphold the Board’s will to recognise President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural centre'.

"We remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy,” she added.