Workers have started removing Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This follows a federal appeals court decision. The court denied an attempt to keep Trump’s name on the building.
The workers set up scaffolding around this Washington, D.C. landmark before starting the removal process. The signage once read “The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts.” The Kennedy Center board had agreed to add Trump’s name back in December, stating it was in recognition of his contributions to saving the center from financial challenges.
However, the Trump name is coming down, counter to the Kennedy Center board’s repeated efforts for delays. They filed for a stay pending appeal, asserting the name should remain until a full appellate review occurs. Despite these efforts, an appeals court rejected the request for an administrative stay.
Most recently, the board filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals. Despite their efforts, the three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit also denied this motion. Earlier, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the center’s name changes require Congressional action.
Trump responded strongly to Judge Cooper’s decision on Truth Social, taking aim at the judge and noting his connections through his wife, Amy Jeffress, who represented several Trump critics.
The Kennedy Center and White House have been contacted for further comments, but no statements have been released yet. This developing situation continues to draw significant public attention.