A federal judge in the District of Columbia ruled that the Kennedy Centre’s board, which President Trump appointed and positioned as chairman, exceeded its statutory authority by renaming the venue after a sitting president and by affixing Trump’s name to the building’s façade.The court concluded that Congress, not the board, has the power to name or rename memorials connected to the Kennedy Centre.

The ruling also addressed the board’s decision to shutter the centre for renovations, deeming it potentially inconsistent with its duties and obligations.

The decision underscores the separation of powers between Congress and presidential-appointed boards and emphasizes that board members must act with independence and due care.Trump criticized the ruling as an obstruction to rebuilding the institution, calling the centre a safety hazard and accusing the judge of bias.The suit was brought by Rep.Joyce Beatty, a Kennedy Centre board member, who argued the centre belongs to the American people and not to the president.The outcome may influence future governance of national cultural institutions and could leave the centre to Congress to determine its future.