Workers have begun removing Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. following a federal appeals court decision. The court denied an appeal to keep Trump’s name on the building, which was added after a unanimous board vote in December.
Initially, the Kennedy Center board approved the addition of Trump’s name, citing recognition of his efforts to save the institution from financial trouble and potential destruction. Trump’s name was placed on the building the next day.
Despite several attempts by the Kennedy Center board to maintain Trump’s name, scaffolding was erected around the landmark, and his name was removed from signage reading “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts.”
Judge Christopher Cooper emphasized that any name change to the Kennedy Center must occur through legislation.
The board sought a stay pending appeal and an immediate administrative stay, arguing against removal of the name before an appellate review. However, an appeals court denied these requests, including an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals, which a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit also rejected.
Judge Christopher Cooper, a U.S. District judge, denied the board’s request to pause enforcement of his ruling. In his opinion, he asserted that altering the Kennedy Center’s name is a matter for Congress.
Following the ruling, Trump criticized Judge Cooper on Truth Social, accusing him of bias. Cooper’s decision aligned with the understanding that changes to the Kennedy Center’s name require congressional approval.
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