Federal Judge Orders Trump's Name Removed From the Kennedy Center on JFK's Birthday — Maria Shriver Called It a Gift

Maria Shriver didn't hold back after a federal judge ordered Donald Trump's name removed from the Kennedy Center, calling the decision a fitting tribute to her late uncle, President John F. Kennedy, on what would have been his 109th birthday.

Shriver, a journalist and member of the Kennedy family, responded on social media Friday after the ruling was handed down, celebrating the timing of the decision while acknowledging that the legal fight may not be finished yet. “An appropriate birthday present on my uncle’s birthday today,” Shriver wrote Friday in response to the ruling from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper.

While welcoming the decision, she also recognized that more courtroom battles could be ahead. “I know they’ll probably appeal and the story isn’t over,” she added, before encouraging supporters to enjoy the moment.

"But for today, let's celebrate a great birthday gift," she added. The ruling came in a 94-page opinion from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, appointed by former President Barack Obama.

The judge concluded that the board violated the 1964 law that established the Kennedy Center as a living memorial to President Kennedy — legislation passed in the months following his assassination.

The judge gave the Kennedy Center's board two weeks to remove Trump's name, which had been placed on the building's exterior in December 2025.

The judge also blocked plans announced in early 2026 to temporarily close the center for what the Trump administration had described as a "complete rebuilding." Explaining his reasoning, Cooper made clear that the institution's name is protected by federal law.

“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,” he wrote on Friday. He further emphasized that only lawmakers have the authority to alter the center's name. “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” he added.

Trump responded quickly, posting on Truth Social to criticize the ruling while signaling he may pursue a legislative solution through Congress. “Based on the fact that the Radical Left Democrats care more about opposing your favorite President, ME, than saving a dying Performing Arts Center, almost all of which lose large amounts of money throughout the Country, we are going to be working with Congress to transfer this failing Institution back to them so they can make a determination as to what to do with it,” he wrote.

The ruling is expected to be appealed — Trump's Truth Social post signaled he may also seek a legislative route through Congress to address control of the center.