The Trump administration plans to contest a judge’s decision that mandates the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. An appeal was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Earlier in the day, the board handpicked by Mr. Trump for the Kennedy Center voted to seek a temporary halt to U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling made on May 29. The ruling stated that the addition of Mr. Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was illegal, according to a person familiar with the proceedings who spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity. The formal request for a stay is expected to be filed on Friday, as per this source.
Judge Cooper had previously determined that only Congress had the authority to alter the Kennedy Center’s name. He mandated the removal of any references to Mr. Trump by Friday. The judge also blocked the administration’s plans to close the center for significant renovations scheduled to begin in July and last for two years.
The board’s recent action represents a change from a June 4 memo issued by the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel. This memo instructed staff members to use the name “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in email signatures, letterheads, and other official documents.
The Kennedy Center’s website no longer features the president’s name. Furthermore, emails sent out earlier this week to offer ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony were distributed without Mr. Trump’s name included.
Rep. Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat and an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center’s board, expressed his opposition to seeking a stay. He stated, “I look forward to putting these distractions behind us and focusing on supporting the arts and the future of the Center.”
During his second term, Mr. Trump has exerted considerable influence over the Kennedy Center. He replaced the previous leadership with a board of trustees loyal to him and appointed himself as chairman. Richard Grenell initially served as president before Matt Floca took over the role in March. Under Trump’s direction, the center hosted more Trump-friendly events, like the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, “Melania.”
The board also announced that the facility was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center. Critics argue that Congress must initiate such changes. The addition of the president’s name to the building’s facade drew quick backlash from the arts community.
Notable figures like actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled appearances. Consultants such as musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming also resigned in protest. Meanwhile, Jean Davidson, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, departed to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.
Aside from voting on the stay, the board affirmed a resolution acknowledging Mr. Trump’s “commitment to uphold this cherished American institution.”
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