Trump Slams Judge In Kennedy Center Renaming Dispute

President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the federal judge overseeing the legal fight over the Kennedy Center, accusing the judge of being “highly conflicted” while again arguing that the Washington, D.C., arts complex needs extensive renovation.

In a Truth Social post, Trump described the Kennedy Center as an “old and decrepit building” requiring “major construction.” He also said the venue needs a “public relations fix” before it can “attain greatness and prestige,” although he did not explain what that proposed fix would involve.

Trump also directed criticism at Judge Christopher Cooper, who is presiding over the case, calling him “highly conflicted” without providing evidence of a conflict. Trump additionally claimed the Kennedy Center had been “losing a fortune” for years and would continue to do so unless renovation work is permitted. Cooper was appointed to the federal bench by President Barack Obama in 2014.

Trump previously raised questions about Cooper’s wife, Amy Jeffress, in late May. He pointed to Jeffress’ work as former President Joe Biden’s personal attorney and her earlier work under former Attorney General Eric Holder, describing it as a “Conflict of Interest.” The case, however, is not related to Biden. Trump also appeared to focus on Cooper’s appointment by Obama when criticizing the judge.

The dispute comes as the Kennedy Center moves forward with a controversial renovation plan. Earlier this month, the center’s board of trustees voted to close the facility for renovations, despite the court having previously blocked the move. The board, which was selected by Trump, also approved a proposal for an inscription on the building’s front portico reading, “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump.” Trustees said the wording was intended to recognize “the President’s contributions” to the center.

The proposed inscription has drawn opposition from plaintiffs led by Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio. The group filed a motion seeking to stop the change, describing it as a “breathtaking act of defiance of Congress and of this Court.” The plaintiffs also pointed to an earlier court ruling that ordered Trump’s name removed from the building’s facade.

The Trump administration has separately warned that the Kennedy Center could ultimately face demolition if the court prevents the renovation plans from moving forward. In a court filing last week, the Justice Department argued that donors had agreed to support the project only if Trump’s name was recognized. The filing warned that without those efforts, the center could deteriorate into an unsafe and decrepit structure that would eventually have to be demolished, with a later decision determining what should replace it.

The Justice Department’s filing also described the center as being in “terminal decline” because of financial difficulties and characterized Trump’s “efforts and prestige” as the “sole hope” for its financial survival and structural renewal. The language echoed Trump’s own claims that the building is in serious disrepair.

Cooper presided over a hearing on Thursday, Aug. 26, where lawyers for both sides presented their arguments, but the judge did not issue a ruling. According to The Washington Post, Cooper pressed Kennedy Center attorneys on why Trump’s name needed to be placed on the building.

The trustees have also proposed renaming the surrounding grounds the “President Donald J. Trump Plaza.” Cooper has not yet ruled on the request to block the renaming, but he indicated that the Sept. 8 deadline for changing the grounds’ name would likely need to be postponed.

Cooper previously ruled that the Kennedy Center’s board had acted illegally when it changed the institution’s name to “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center” and ordered Trump’s name removed from the facade. The judge also stated that changing the building’s official name requires an act of Congress.