Judge Denies Request to Pause Ruling on Kennedy Center Name Change

A judge has refused the Kennedy Center’s request to delay a decision that mandates the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the building. This decision was made on a Friday.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper previously determined that Trump’s name was added to the iconic Washington performing arts venue illegally. According to Cooper, Congress is the only body that can authorize a change to the Kennedy Center’s name. He ordered the removal of any references to Trump by Friday.

A memo dated June 4 from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel instructed staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” on email signatures, letterheads, and other documents.

The Kennedy Center’s website has already omitted Trump’s name. Additionally, an email sent earlier this week to members advertising ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony excluded Trump’s name.

Though largely ignored by Trump during his first term, his influence grew significantly upon his return to office. Within a month of his second term, he replaced the leadership of the center with his own choices for the board of trustees, which named him chairman.