Trump Administration Appeals Order to Remove President’s Name From Kennedy Center

The Trump administration has announced plans to appeal a judge’s decision demanding the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. The appeal was officially filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday.

Earlier that day, the Kennedy Center board, chosen by President Trump, decided to request a delay in the action required by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper. On May 29, Judge Cooper had ruled that Mr. Trump’s name had been added illegally to the Kennedy Center. According to a person familiar with the board’s private meeting, the formal request to stay the ruling is set to be filed on Friday.

Judge Cooper determined that the authority to rename the Kennedy Center rests solely with Congress. His ruling mandates the removal of Mr. Trump’s name by Friday. Furthermore, the ruling prevents the administration from proceeding with scheduled renovations intended to start in July and last for two years.

The board’s recent decision marks a departure from a June 4 directive by the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel. This directive instructed staff to use the original name, “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” in all communications. Additionally, the center’s website has excluded President Trump’s name, and recent emails to members have reflected this change.

Rep. Rick Larsen, a Democrat from Washington and ex officio board member, revealed his participation in the meeting and his opposition to pursuing a stay. He expressed his desire to move past these issues to concentrate on the arts and the center’s future.

During his second term, President Trump has significantly influenced the Kennedy Center. He replaced its prior leadership with trustees loyal to him and appointed himself as chairman. This led to changes in the center’s programming to align more with Trump-friendly content. The board also announced a controversial renaming of the facility to the “Trump Kennedy Center,” sparking debate on the necessity of Congressional action for such a change.

Response from the arts community has been swift and significant. Notable figures such as Issa Rae, Bela Fleck, and Louise Penny withdrew from events, with consultants like Ben Folds and Renée Fleming also resigning. Recently, Jean Davidson, the former executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, departed for a position at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

In addition to the appeal decision, the board passed a resolution expressing admiration for President Trump’s dedication to maintaining the Kennedy Center as an esteemed American institution.