Kennedy Center board files last-minute appeal to keep Trump's name on facade ahead of Friday deadline
The hand-picked board of the Kennedy Center voted Thursday to appeal a federal judge's order to remove President Donald Trump's name from the building by Friday, seeking a stay of the ruling that the renaming was illegal.
Board votes to fight court order
The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted on Thursday to seek a stay of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper's May 29 ruling that required Trump's name to be removed from the performing arts venue by Friday, according to a person familiar with the private meeting. A brief notice of appeal was filed late Thursday. The board also approved a resolution recognizing Trump's commitment to the institution.
Background of the takeover
Trump took control of the center early in his second term, ousting the previous leadership and installing a hand-picked board that named him chairman. Richard Grenell served as president until March, when Matt Floca assumed the role. In December, the board announced the facility had been renamed the Trump Kennedy Center and physically added the president's name to the facade. Scholars and lawmakers argued that only Congress could authorize such a change.
Legal and institutional fallout
Cooper's ruling blocked the administration from closing the center for a two-year renovation planned to start in July. After the decision, the Kennedy Center's website dropped Trump's name, and a June 4 internal memo instructed staff to use the original name. An email this week about the June 28 Mark Twain Award ceremony also omitted Trump's name. The board's appeal marks a reversal of that compliance.
Arts community reaction
The renaming drew swift backlash. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck, and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled appearances. Consultants Ben Folds and Renée Fleming resigned from their roles, and National Symphony Orchestra executive director Jean Davidson left for a position in Los Angeles.
- Trump ousts previous Kennedy Center leadership and installs hand-picked board, naming himself chairman.
- Board announces renaming to Trump Kennedy Center and adds name to facade.
- Judge Cooper rules Trump's name was illegally added, orders removal by June 12, and blocks renovation closure.
- Kennedy Center General Counsel memo instructs staff to use original name, dropping Trump reference.
- Board votes to seek stay of ruling and files notice of appeal.
- Court-ordered deadline to remove Trump's name; formal stay motion due.
Next steps
The formal stay motion was due Friday, the same day as the deadline for removing Trump's name from the exterior and materials. The appeal could prolong the legal battle over the name of the memorial to President John F. Kennedy, which opened in 1971.
