Court Denies Trump’s Request to Keep Name on Kennedy Center

On June 28, the Kennedy Center was under renovation with its facade partially obscured by tarp and scaffolding. This followed a decision by a federal appeals court denying former President Trump’s plea to retain his name on the Washington, D.C., arts center.

Since June 13, the signage has been covered. According to a recent court filing by the executive director, Trump’s name has been removed. The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Trump did not demonstrate that the center would suffer irreparable harm without his name.

NPR sought a response from the Kennedy Center but received none immediately. Trump’s attorneys had argued that removing his name would lead to substantial financial loss, citing time and funds already invested.

The judges, Patricia Millett, Robert Wilkins, and Gregory Katsas, stated that a stay would not prevent these harms since the name removal has occurred. Trump also warned that detaching his name could jeopardize future fundraising, potentially harming the center financially. The judges, however, noted the lack of specific evidence supporting this claim.

Matt Floca, the executive director of the Kennedy Center, is focused on managing the center’s physical assets. This judicial decision emerges amidst ongoing litigation initiated by Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, against Trump and the center’s board.

Judge Christopher R. Cooper, overseeing the case, has demanded a status report on the center’s operations and programming by month’s end. As of now, the center’s schedule includes a limited number of events like free movie screenings, children’s workshops, and five live performances on the Millennium Stage this July.

Historically, the Kennedy Center hosted over 2,000 arts and educational events annually, including daily free performances.