The Kennedy Center board filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday, requesting a temporary block on a judge’s order that mandates the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the institution's signage and official materials. The board argued that changes to the building should not occur before the appellate judges review the case. As of late Friday afternoon, Trump's name remained visible on the Kennedy Center's facade, with scaffolding around parts of the signage.
Earlier, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper denied the board's request to pause the enforcement of his ruling while the appeal is ongoing, stating that the defendants had not shown a likelihood of success on appeal or irreparable harm. The board's emergency filing contends that removing the signage would incur costs that could not be recovered if they ultimately prevail in the appeal and could also impair fundraising efforts.
This latest filing follows Cooper's May 29 ruling, which stated that Congress, not the Kennedy Center board, has the authority over the institution's name. The judge ordered the removal of Trump's name from all physical signage and official branding within 14 days. The board's motion seeks to maintain the current status while the broader appeal is considered by the court. The White House and a representative for the Kennedy Center did not respond to requests for comment.