The trustees of the Kennedy Center voted on Thursday to attempt to delay a federal judge’s order that mandates the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the center’s exterior by Friday. This decision aligns with their broader plan to appeal the ruling, which declared that renaming the center was illegal.
At a meeting, the board decided to take immediate action by requesting a stay from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s directive. This step comes as the center seeks to preserve Trump’s name on its signage while pursuing an appeal. The decision was shared by a meeting attendee and a person informed by an attendee, both of whom wished to remain anonymous due to concerns about facing backlash.
The controversy arises as the Kennedy Center attempts to navigate legal challenges related to the naming rights of the facility. The resolution to fight the judge’s decision reflects the center’s commitment to maintaining its current naming status, at least temporarily, as the appeal process unfolds.