A federal judge has cleared the way for the name of former President Donald Trump to be removed from the Kennedy Center’s exterior. This follows the denial of a last-minute request by the institution’s board to keep the name in place. Should the Kennedy Center opt against appealing the decision made by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, Trump’s name could be taken down shortly.
Workers erecting scaffolding around the building section displaying Trump’s name were spotted, while about a dozen onlookers nearby chanted for its removal.
The Kennedy Center’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ruling. Last month, Judge Cooper ruled that Trump’s name was added to the Washington D.C. performing arts venue illegally.
On Thursday, the board appointed by Trump made a last-ditch effort to maintain his name prominently displayed on the landmark arts venue. Cooper, however, did not stay his order.
A memorandum from the Kennedy Center’s Office of the General Counsel, dated June 4, instructed staff to use email signatures, letterhead, and documents reflecting the name “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.” The center’s website has already removed Trump’s name.
A previous email promoting ticket packages for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony, scheduled for June 28, was sent from the Kennedy Center without Trump’s name.
During his tenure, Trump largely ignored the Kennedy Center, yet exerted significant influence after returning to office. A mere month into his second term, he replaced the previous leadership with a board of trustees who appointed him president. Judge Cooper’s earlier ruling also prevented the government from shutting down the cultural venue for a planned major renovation set to begin in July, expected to span two years.