On Wednesday, a federal appeals court rejected former President Trump’s attempt to prevent the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The building’s signage has been covered since June 13 with a tarp and scaffolding. According to a court filing, Trump’s name has already been removed.
The U.S. District Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit comprised of Judges Patricia Millett, Robert Wilkins, and Gregory Katsas, stated that Trump did not demonstrate that the Kennedy Center would be “irreparably injured” without his name. Requests for comments from the Kennedy Center were not answered immediately.
Trump’s legal team argued that removing his name from both the physical building and digital materials of the arts complex would result in irreparable damage to time and financial investments already made. The judges, however, countered that since the name has been removed, a stay would not prevent harm.
Concerns were also raised by Trump about potential negative impacts on future fundraising for the center. The appeals judges noted that there was no concrete evidence supporting these claims, citing a lack of specific facts or evidence.
The current executive director of the Kennedy Center, Matt Floca, is specialized in physical plant management. This legal development is part of ongoing litigation initiated by Rep. Joyce Beatty from Ohio against Trump and the Kennedy Center board. Judge Christopher R. Cooper has mandated that the center report on its operations and programming by the end of the month.
Currently, the Kennedy Center’s schedule includes a few programs such as outdoor free movie screenings, children’s workshops, and five free live performances in July on the Millennium Stage. Previously, the center hosted over 2,000 arts and education events annually, with daily performances on the Millennium Stage.