A federal judge has instructed the Washington arts institution to remove President Trump’s name from its facade by Friday. This decision follows Judge Christopher R. Cooper’s ruling that only Congress can change the name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The center was originally named for President Kennedy in a 1964 law.
The center’s board, comprising mostly of Trump’s allies, voted to challenge this federal court order. The decision comes as a deadline to remove Trump’s name from the building approaches.
Judge Cooper from Federal District Court in Washington emphasized that the board lacks the authority to unilaterally change the center’s name. He asserted only Congress holds this power according to the law dedicating the center to Kennedy.
Representatives of the Kennedy Center have not yet commented on the situation.
Initially, officials loyal to Trump at the Kennedy Center stated their intent to contest the ruling. They believed the court would support the board’s desire to honor Trump’s contributions to the cultural institution.
Julia Jacobs is a reporter covering arts, culture, and legal issues for The Times.
New York City Mayor Endorses Progressive Candidates in Democratic Primaries 
New York Congressional Primaries Highlight Democratic Party Divide 
Bill Gates Discusses Concerns with House Committee 
U.S. Court of Appeals Allows Trump’s Expanded Deportations 
The Dilemma of Strategic Dependency for Small States 
Roy Cooper’s Lead in North Carolina U.S. Senate Race