A federal judge ruled that the Washington arts institution, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, must remove President Trump’s name from its facade. This decision follows Judge Christopher R. Cooper’s ruling that only Congress has the authority to change the center’s name, which was dedicated to President Kennedy in a 1964 law.
The board, aligned mostly with Trump supporters, has decided to appeal the judge’s order. The board voted on this action as the legal deadline to remove Trump’s name approached. Judge Cooper’s decision emphasized that the board does not possess the power to unilaterally alter the arts center’s name.
Representatives from the Kennedy Center have not provided comments on the matter. Initially, officials supportive of Trump at the Kennedy Center expressed their intention to challenge the ruling, underscoring their belief that the court would uphold the board’s decision to honor Trump’s contributions to the cultural institution.
Julia Jacobs, an arts and culture reporter, frequently covers legal aspects for The Times.