Appeals Court Denies Kennedy Center Board's Request to Block Removal of Trump's Name

The Kennedy Center board requested a federal appeals court to temporarily block a judge's order requiring the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the institution's signage and official materials. The appeals court denied this request on Friday. The board argued that changes to the building should not occur before appellate judges review the dispute. A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit declined to temporarily block the enforcement of the district court's order while the appeal is ongoing. The appeals court has set a schedule for further responses regarding the broader stay-pending-appeal motion. This follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who 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 Kennedy Center board expressed concerns that removing the signage could incur unrecoverable costs and impair fundraising efforts. The board intends to appeal the decision.