Trump transfers control of Kennedy Center to Congress after judge orders his name removed from building

US President Donald Trump said his administration will transfer control of the Kennedy Center to Congress, after a judge ordered the removal of Trump's name from the iconic Washington venue and blocked Trump's plans to close it for renovations.

A federal judge ruled Friday that President Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center illegally. He also blocked the administration from closing the National Cultural and Arts Center for major renovations.

US District Judge Christopher Cooper said the Kennedy Center Board "overstepped its statutory bounds" by unilaterally adding Trump's name to the Center.

Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it, he said.

The judge also ruled the Kennedy Center Board violated the law in March by deciding to close the facility, calling the decision "ill-informed and seemingly preordained".

The Trump administration had announced that renovation work would begin in July and last approximately two years, but the ruling halts those plans for now.

The judge, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Barack Obama, ordered the defendants to remove Trump's name from the institution's facade and any official materials such as digital or physical signs within two weeks.

Trump said Friday his administration will transfer control of the Kennedy Center to Congress, after the judge's order to remove his name.

Trump said on social media that he instructed the US Commerce Department to make all necessary arrangements with Congress to allow a full and complete transfer of this institution giving lawmakers responsibility over its operation, maintenance and management.