U.S.President Donald Trump has announced that he will transfer control of the John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts back to Congress after a federal judge ruled aspects of his takeover effort unlawful.The decision follows mounting legal and institutional challenges surrounding Trump’s attempt to reshape governance of the historic Washington, D.C.cultural institution.

According to court findings, the administration’s actions conflicted with the legal framework that designates the Kennedy Center as a memorial to President John F.Kennedy and limits changes to its identity and oversight structure.

The ruling also ordered that Trump’s name be removed from the building, reinforcing the judge’s interpretation that the centre must retain its original designation.

Trump stated on social media that he would work with Congress to transfer responsibility for the institution, including its operation, maintenance, and management.He indicated that the Department of Commerce had been instructed to facilitate the transition.

The Kennedy Center had previously been overseen by a bipartisan board of trustees, but the governance structure was altered after Trump replaced board members with allies who later installed him as chair.Critics argued this move concentrated control in a way that was inconsistent with the institution’s independent status.

The Kennedy Center, which receives federal funding while operating independently, has been at the centre of broader disputes over proposed renovations and closures.The administration’s plan to close the venue for extensive upgrades was also challenged in court.

Officials connected to the centre have maintained that significant maintenance work is required, though some speculation linked the closure to declining attendance.The ruling represents a setback for Trump’s wider efforts to influence major national landmarks in Washington.

The case remains part of a broader series of legal disputes concerning federal authority, cultural institutions, and executive power over historically protected sites.