The Kennedy Center board filed an emergency motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday, seeking to temporarily block a judge's order that requires the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the institution's signage and official materials. The board argued that physical changes to the building should not occur before the appellate judges review the dispute. As of late Friday afternoon, Trump's name remained visible on the building's facade, with scaffolding around portions of the signage.
Earlier that day, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper denied the board's request to pause the enforcement of his ruling, stating that the defendants had not shown a likelihood of success on appeal or irreparable harm. The board's emergency filing contends that removing and potentially reinstalling signage would incur costs that could not be recovered if the board ultimately prevails on appeal. Additionally, the board argued that removing Trump's name could impair fundraising efforts and create public confusion if the Center's name changes again following a successful appeal.
This filing follows Cooper's May 29 ruling 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 physical signage, digital materials, and official branding within 14 days. Cooper noted that the Kennedy Center's governing statute clearly states that the institution is to be named for President John F. Kennedy and cannot be renamed through unilateral board action.
The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, who serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board. Following the May 29 decision, Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi stated that the board intended to appeal. The emergency appeal requests the D.C. Circuit to maintain the current status while considering the board's broader appeal of Cooper's ruling. The White House and a representative for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment.