Trump’s Name Removed from Kennedy Center After Court Ruling

Workers have initiated the removal of Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This action follows a decision by a federal appeals court that denied a final appeal to retain the name on the building. The name was initially added after a unanimous decision by the center’s board in December.

The removal process began on Friday when workers set up scaffolding around the iconic venue. The signage, which had included Trump’s name alongside John F. Kennedy’s, originally read “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts.” This decision was made by the Kennedy Center board, citing Trump’s contributions in preventing financial difficulties and structural damage to the institution.

Despite numerous efforts from the board to delay the removal, including appeals for stays and an immediate administrative appeal, the court has rejected these petitions. A three-judge panel in the D.C. Circuit declined the board’s emergency motion, reaffirming U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling that Congress alone holds the authority to alter the name of the Kennedy Center.

In response to the court’s decision, Donald Trump criticized Judge Cooper via Truth Social, suggesting personal bias linked to the judge’s wife, Amy Jeffress, an ex-Department of Justice attorney known for her work with some of Trump’s critics.

Fox News attempted to gather more information by reaching out to the White House and Kennedy Center for further comments. This update represents the latest development in the ongoing dispute surrounding the renaming of the historic performing arts center.