Federal Judge Allows Removal of Trump’s Name from Kennedy Center

A federal judge has cleared the way for President Donald Trump’s name to be removed from the exterior of the Kennedy Center. This comes after dismissing a request from the institution’s board that sought to keep the name intact.

Unless the Kennedy Center appeals the decision made by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, Trump’s name could be taken down soon. Workers have been seen putting up scaffolding around the section of the building with Trump’s name, as a group of onlookers gathered nearby, chanting for its removal.

The Kennedy Center has not commented on the ruling. Last month, Judge Cooper declared that the addition of Trump’s name to the iconic Washington arts venue was illegal. On Thursday evening, the board appointed by Trump attempted a last-minute effort to retain his name on the facade, but Cooper refused to stay his order.

A memorandum dated June 4 from the Kennedy Center’s Office of the General Counsel directed staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in email signatures, letterhead, and other documents. The Kennedy Center’s website has already removed Trump’s name.

An earlier email to members offering ticket packages for the June 28 ceremony of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor originated from the center without mentioning Trump. Despite largely overlooking the Kennedy Center during his first term, Trump has exerted significant influence over the venue since resuming office. He replaced the previous management with a board of trustees that named him president only a month into his second term.

In an earlier ruling, Cooper also blocked the government from closing the cultural and artistic facility for major renovations that were set to begin in July and last two years.

___
This story was translated from English by an AP editor assisted by a generative AI tool.