Throughout President Donald Trump’s second term, he has continuously shown a disregard for checks and balances and sought to bulldoze any legal obstacles in his way to expand his own power. Nowhere was this more evident than his efforts to take over the Kennedy Center, by adding his name to the building late last year, appointing himself chair of the board in February 2025 and seeking to close the historic center for two years. But last month, a federal judge ruled Trump must remove his name from the historic Kennedy Center building and that his efforts to close the center were unlawful. In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper demanded the administration act by June 12, and the White House claims that Trump’s name has been removed. However, a massive tarp covering where Trump’s name once was has left onlookers unable to visually confirm the removal, prompting further scrutiny from Judge Cooper.

The decision by the courts to step in and protect the integrity of the Kennedy Center building is an incredible testament to the power of the U.S. Constitution. In an era of seemingly ever expanding presidential power, it is relieving to see the judicial branch step in when the executive tramples over the laws of Congress. After the passing of President John F. Kennedy, Congress dedicated the newly built performing arts center to the late president as a memorial, and Cooper in his ruling made it clear that only Congress can change the name of the center. In performing their duties, the courts were able to reaffirm the powers of Congress, which have been drastically reduced throughout the course of the 21st century, and especially during the Trump presidency.

Rule of law is perhaps the most important principle to the founding of the United States. While this decision is relatively minor in comparison to other constitutional violations committed by this and previous administrations, it still reaffirms that the American system is alive and well. It is relieving to see the courts check the power of the executive branch, to protect the rights of Congress — exactly how it was intended to be when the constitution was drafted over 200 years ago.

Not only was this a victory for constitutional governance, but for historical preservation too. The Kennedy Center is supposed to serve as a memorial on top of its function as a performing arts center. Imagine if the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial or other historic sites around D.C. were renamed to include living presidents. Their significance to the nation’s history would be entirely lost, and no monuments or memorials should ever be dedicated to living political figures. While Trump has continued efforts to hide this legal victory by covering the removal of his name with a tarp, the public knows that the courts have ensured the historical significance of the building is preserved.

Under the second Trump administration specifically, historical institutions, like Smithsonian museums, have been frequent targets of the president. Whether it is challenging supposed diversity, equity and inclusion ideology or attempting to frame his presidency in a better light, the ways in which the general public often interacts with history — exploring museums, visiting monuments — are being revised. The courts, therefore, have made headway in stopping this trend by protecting the sanctity of memorials, which should be increasingly difficult to offer so they do not succumb to the whims of the executive.

While this ruling should be celebrated, Trump’s defiance in fully complying with the judge’s orders demonstrates the need for continued pressure. It is clear that rule of law and respect for constitutional principles has been deeply damaged in modern politics, which is why both citizens and government must continue to exercise and not surrender their constitutional authorities. Judges should pursue the proper execution of law to their greatest extent, to begin healing the great wound inflicted upon the nation’s founding principles. Nevertheless, the Kennedy Center removing Trump’s name is a tremendous victory for the constitution and the history of the United States.

Ethan Vargas, a rising sophomore majoring in political science, is the contributing opinions editor.