On Sunday, May 31, 2026, The Independent reported that President Donald Trump called for charges against U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper. This demand stems from a ruling made by Judge Cooper that temporarily blocked Trump’s plans for renovations and the renaming of the Kennedy Center.
Trump issued a lengthy statement on Truth Social, expressing his strong disapproval of Cooper’s decision. The judge had ruled that the Kennedy Center’s naming is established by its organic statute, which designates it for President Kennedy, and that any alteration requires an act of Congress. Cooper stated, “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”
In response, Trump accused Judge Cooper of bias, suggesting the ruling was influenced by Cooper’s wife, Amy Jeffress. Trump characterized Jeffress as a “Radical Left Democrat” who previously worked as a Federal Prosecutor and Counselor to Obama Attorney General Eric Holder. He alleged that this connection constituted a “Conflict of Interest” that should have been disclosed and that Cooper should face charges for not doing so. Trump further claimed that this alleged conflict made it impossible for him to receive a fair hearing.
The President also painted a dire picture of the Kennedy Center’s condition, describing it as dilapidated and in need of urgent repair. He stated his renovation plans, which he claimed were approved by Congress and involved $257 million in funding, would have revitalized the institution. Trump asserted that Judge Cooper’s ruling would lead to the Kennedy Center’s collapse, both structurally and financially. He also called for Judge Cooper to be “IMPEACHED,” likening him to other judges he has criticized in past cases.
The controversy arose after a new Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, appointed by Trump and including individuals such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Vice President JD Vance’s wife, voted to add Trump’s name to the building. Following the judge’s ruling and the subsequent public statements, over a dozen major acts have reportedly canceled their performances at the Kennedy Center in protest.
The Kennedy Center has stated its intention to appeal the judge’s decision. In a statement, Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravai acknowledged the need for significant restoration but maintained that the Center would pursue all legal avenues to ensure its future as a national cultural landmark.
Source: The Independent
