The Trump administration plans to appeal a judge’s decision demanding the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. The appeal notice was submitted on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Earlier on Thursday, Trump’s appointed Kennedy Center board voted to pursue a stay of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s May 29 ruling. This ruling declared that President Trump’s name was added to the Kennedy Center unlawfully. A person familiar with the decision, speaking anonymously about a private meeting, shared this information with the Associated Press. The individual also mentioned that the formal stay will be filed on Friday.
Judge Cooper had previously determined that only Congress could authorize a change to the Kennedy Center’s name. He ordered the removal of Trump’s name by Friday and prohibited the administration from closing the venue for significant renovations that were scheduled to begin in July and last for two years.
This board action marks a departure from a June 4 memo from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel. The memo instructed staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in email signatures, letterhead, and other documents.
Notably, the Kennedy Center’s website has already excluded President Trump’s name. An email sent earlier in the week, promoting ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony, came from the Kennedy Center without mention of Trump.
Rep. Rick Larsen, a Washington Democrat and ex officio member of the Kennedy Center’s board, stated that he was part of the meeting and opposed the effort to seek a stay. “I look forward to putting these distractions behind us and focusing on supporting the arts and the future of the Center,” he expressed.
During his first term, Trump had largely ignored the Kennedy Center. However, in his second term, he significantly influenced the venue by replacing its leadership and appointing a new board of trustees that named him chairman. Richard Grenell initially served as president, succeeded by Matt Floca in March. The center’s programming featured Trump-favored content, including the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary “Melania.”
The board announced a name change to the Trump Kennedy Center, a decision that scholars and lawmakers insist must be initiated by Congress. Trump’s name was also physically added to the building’s exterior.
The arts community responded swiftly and fiercely. Many artists, including actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny, withdrew from scheduled appearances. Consultants like musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming resigned. Earlier in the month, Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, left to lead the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Aside from voting on the stay, the board passed a resolution recognizing President Trump’s “commitment to uphold this cherished American institution.”