A United States federal judge has upheld an earlier ruling requiring the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, rejecting a last-minute effort by the institution’s board to keep the name in place.
US District Judge Christopher Cooper dismissed an appeal by the Kennedy Center’s board, which had sought to delay the implementation of a previous court order directing the removal of Trump’s name from the building.
The dispute stems from changes made after Trump replaced the centre’s previous leadership and appointed a new board that later named him chairman. However, Judge Cooper ruled last month that placing Trump’s name on the facade of the iconic performing arts centre was unlawful and ordered that it be removed.
Following the ruling, the centre began reverting to its traditional branding. A memo issued on June 4 instructed staff to use only “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” in official communications, while references to Trump were also removed from the institution’s website.
The board made another attempt to preserve the naming change through an appeal filed on Thursday, but Cooper rejected the request on Friday, ensuring that the earlier order remains in effect.
The case is part of a broader debate surrounding Trump’s efforts to reshape prominent landmarks and institutions in Washington, DC. Several of his proposed projects and changes to federal sites have faced legal scrutiny and challenges in court.
Reacting to the original ruling, Trump criticised the decision in a lengthy social media post, arguing that the changes he introduced were intended to revitalise the Kennedy Center and enhance its public appeal.
For now, however, the court’s decision means the Kennedy Center will continue operating without Trump’s name displayed on its exterior.
