A federal judge approved the removal of former President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center board’s last-minute plea to maintain the name was denied. If the center does not appeal Judge Christopher Cooper’s decision, Trump’s name could be removed from the building in a very short time.
Workers were seen setting up scaffolding around the area where Trump’s name is displayed. Approximately twelve people gathered nearby, chanting for the removal of the name. The Kennedy Center has not officially commented on the ruling.
Last month, Judge Cooper ruled that the addition of Trump’s name to the iconic Washington performing arts venue was done illegally. On Thursday evening, the board, selected during Trump’s term, attempted to keep his name on the facade. However, the judge refused to stay his order.
A memo dated June 4 from the Kennedy Center’s Office of the General Counsel instructed staff to update email signatures, letterhead, and documents to reflect the name as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.” The website has also removed Trump’s name, and emails to members marketing ticket packages for upcoming events no longer include his name.
Although Trump generally ignored the Kennedy Center during much of his first term, he has greatly influenced the venue since returning to office. Shortly after beginning his second term, he dismissed the center’s previous management and installed a new board that named him president. Judge Cooper’s earlier ruling also restricted the government from undertaking significant renovations at the cultural site, which were planned to begin in July and last for two years.
This report was translated from English with the assistance of a generative AI tool.
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