Trump's Name Faces Immediate Erasure from Kennedy Center
Lawyers for the Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are demanding an immediate reversion to the original name of the facility, following a federal court ruling that dismantles the controversial name change.
A memo from the center's general counsel, obtained by CBS News, signals compliance with U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper's order to strip President Trump's name from the institution. This comes as the center faces scrutiny over plans to close for two years of renovations.
Judge Cooper ruled in favor of Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who challenged the name change and the extensive closure for repairs set to begin this summer. The court found that the board had exceeded its authority in making these changes.
The judge's order mandates the removal of Trump's name from all physical and digital signage, as well as official materials associated with the center. The memo instructs staff to update email signatures, letterhead, and documents to reflect "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or simply "Kennedy Center."
All signage and furniture displaying the current name must be reverted by next Friday, according to the memo's directives.
Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations for the Kennedy Center, stated that they are complying with the court's order while exploring legal options to maintain their revitalization efforts and acknowledge President Trump's leadership.
The memo also indicates that officials are still deliberating on whether the center will remain operational after July 5, when renovations costing $257 million are scheduled to commence.
Judge Cooper acknowledged that renovations are "sorely needed," but clarified that his preliminary injunction does not outright prevent the board from closing the Kennedy Center if they reassess their obligations prudently.
Cooper emphasized that his ruling does not dictate operational procedures for the center nor prescribe any specific plans moving forward. It merely enforces minimum legal requirements on the Kennedy Center Board.
During his second term, Trump appointed several administration allies to the center's Board of Trustees, leading to his election as chair. In December, the board voted to rename the institution to The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Within hours of this decision, the Kennedy Center's website was altered to reflect "The Trump Kennedy Center," and crews began adding Trump's name to the building's facade. However, lawmakers and legal experts argued that such a change required congressional approval.
The fallout included several artists canceling performances at the center, and the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra departed for a new position.
“We are complying with the court's order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump's leadership,” Roma Daravi stated.
