In Washington, a legal battle has emerged over former President Donald Trump’s attempt to retain his name on the Kennedy Center, a prominent performing arts facility. The board, appointed by Trump, has launched a last-minute effort to prevent the removal of his name from the facade, as mandated by a court order.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper earlier ruled that Trump’s name was unlawfully added to the Kennedy Center. He specified that only Congress possesses the authority to rename the center and required that references to Trump be removed by a set deadline. Further, the judge blocked extensive renovations planned to start in July.
In response, the board voted on Thursday to file an appeal against the ruling, seeking to preserve the changes. This move signified a departure from internal guidance provided on June 4, which instructed that all internal documents should refer to the center by its original name: ‘The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ or simply ‘Kennedy Center.’ The center’s website and communications have already omitted Trump’s name.
The Trump administration’s attempt at the 11th hour shows desperation, stated Norm Eisen and Nathaniel Zelinsky, legal representatives in the case. They emphasized that the administration lacks a legal justification for their actions and vowed ongoing resistance.
The lawsuit originated from Rep. Joyce Beatty, who serves on the Kennedy Center board. It was meant to challenge Trump’s influence over the institution. This influence became significant at the start of Trump’s second term when he reorganized the leadership, assigning a new board and executive figures like Richard Grenell and later Matt Floca.
This restructuring led to changes in programming, favoring Trump-themed events such as the premiere of Melania Trump’s documentary. The center was unofficially renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, sparking significant backlash from the arts community.
Prominent artists, including Issa Rae and musician Béla Fleck, withdrew from engagements at the center. Renowned consultants like Ben Folds and Renée Fleming also resigned. The controversy even prompted Jean Davidson, the National Symphony Orchestra’s executive director, to leave for a position in Los Angeles.
On top of their appeal, the board issued a resolution on Thursday that commended Trump’s dedication to the Kennedy Center despite the legal obstacles.
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