Kennedy Center Board Appeals Ruling on Name Removal

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is appealing a federal judge’s decision that mandates removing President Trump’s name from its facade. This decision came after Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that only Congress can change the center’s name. The institution is named after John F. Kennedy, based on a 1964 law.

According to sources familiar with the recent meeting, the center’s board, primarily comprised of allies of Mr. Trump, voted to challenge the order. The legal deadline to remove the name is approaching soon.

Judge Cooper concluded that the board lacked the authority to change the name independently. This decision reinforces the stipulation that the name, dedicated to Kennedy, can only be altered by Congressional action.

Initially, Trump-aligned officials at the Kennedy Center planned to contest the court ruling. They believed the court would support their intention to honor what they described as President Trump’s significant contributions to the cultural hub.

Representatives from the Kennedy Center have yet to provide a comment on the appeal decision.