Trump’s Name to Be Removed from Kennedy Center After Court Ruling

A district court cleared the path for the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center’s exterior. The federal judge denied a last-minute request from the institution’s board that aimed to maintain the name’s presence. Unless the Kennedy Center chooses to appeal the decision by Judge Christopher Cooper, Trump’s name could be removed within hours.

Workers have started setting up scaffolding around the section of the building displaying Trump’s name. A small group of onlookers is nearby, chanting for its removal. A spokesperson for the center declined to comment on the ruling.

Last month, Judge Cooper ruled that Trump’s name was added illegally to the renowned Washington arts venue. On Thursday, the board appointed by Trump attempted to preserve his name on the center’s facade, but Cooper refused to suspend his order.

A memo dated June 4 from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel advised staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” when referring to the institution in email signatures, letterhead, and documents.

The Kennedy Center’s website no longer displays Trump’s name. An earlier email to members offering tickets to the June 28 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony was sent from the Kennedy Center without naming Trump.

During much of his first term, Trump paid little attention to the Kennedy Center. However, since resuming office, he exerted significant influence over the venue. Shortly after starting his second term, he replaced the center’s leadership with a board of trustees that named him president. In previous rulings, Judge Cooper also halted the government’s planned major renovations of the cultural site, which were to begin in July and last two years.