Judge orders removal of Trump name from Kennedy Center for violation of congressional law

She challenged both the renaming of the institution and the plans for its closure as of July: according to her lawyers, the latter decision was in fact 'designed to conceal the embarrassment caused by falling ticket sales'.

The centre's board, overwhelmingly composed of allies of the tycoon, voted in December to add the president's name to the iconic performing arts centre's dedication. Shortly thereafter, a new inscription was placed on the building's marble facade, which now reads: "The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

Last February, Trump announced that the centre would close its doors for the summer, calling the building 'outdated' and in need of urgent renovation.

The board had approved the plan in March, but the judge ruled that the board had not done adequate due diligence in examining the consequences of such a decision.

"None of the board members had sufficient information before the 16 March meeting to be able to make a considered decision on the closure of the centre," Cooper wrote, noting that his decision does not prevent the centre's board from deciding in the future to stop the centre for renovations.

It is a priority, however, to have 'sufficient information to make a considered and independent decision, taking into account both the obligation to maintain and manage an artistic venue of excellence and the solemn duty to honour the memory of an assassinated president'.