A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to submit a report explaining the continued presence of a tarp obscuring the building's front sign after the removal of former President Donald Trump's name. The report is due within seven days of the Kennedy Center's next Board of Trustees meeting or by the end of July, whichever comes first.
The court document states that the report must detail any relevant developments regarding future construction and operations at the Kennedy Center, as well as the purpose and status of the tarp and scaffolding on the front portico. A Kennedy Center spokesperson indicated that the tarp is in place to facilitate repairs to the marble facade around the sign, although it is unclear when it will be removed.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the removal of Trump's name last month following a lawsuit from Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). The Kennedy Center complied with the order, but the name was not removed until after the court's deadline. The judge ruled that the Kennedy Center's trustees had overstepped by renaming the memorial to honor Trump without congressional approval.
In his initial order, Cooper also temporarily prevented the Trump administration from closing the Kennedy Center for a planned two-year renovation set to begin on July 5. The Kennedy Center's leadership stated that there are no plans to host new performances while remaining open to the public. The administration is currently appealing the judge's order.
Some Democrats have expressed concerns about the tarp obscuring the name of John F. Kennedy on the performing arts center. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) criticized the situation, stating that it was a cover-up and that Trump should be held responsible for the repair costs.
Additionally, activist organization Hands Off the Arts released photos confirming that Trump's name has been removed from the center's facade.