Judge Denies Kennedy Center’s Request to Retain Trump’s Name

A judge has denied the Kennedy Center’s request to pause a ruling that orders the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the building. The denial occurred on Friday.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper determined that Trump’s name was added to the Washington performing arts center illegally. He ruled that only Congress can authorize a change to the Kennedy Center’s name.

Judge Cooper ordered that references to Trump be removed by the end of the week. In a memo dated June 4, the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel instructed staff to use the names “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in email signatures, letterhead, and other documents.

Following the ruling, the Kennedy Center’s website no longer displays Trump’s name. This change was also reflected in a recent email sent to members about ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony; the message came from the Kennedy Center without mentioning Trump.

During much of his first term, Trump showed little attention to the Kennedy Center. However, upon returning to office, he exercised significant influence over the venue. Within a month into his second term, he replaced the center’s previous leadership with a board of trustees he selected, appointing himself as chairman.