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The Trump administration has formally appealed a federal judge’s ruling that ordered President Donald Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center, escalating a legal battle over the president’s unprecedented takeover and rebranding of the nation’s premier performing arts venue.
A notice of appeal was filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, just hours after the Kennedy Center’s Trump-appointed board voted to seek a stay of U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s May 29 decision. The ruling found that the administration unlawfully added Trump’s name to the institution and ordered all references removed by Friday.
The board is expected to formally request the stay on Friday, according to a person familiar with the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Judge Says Only Congress Can Rename Kennedy Center
In his ruling, Cooper determined that only Congress has the authority to alter the official name of the Kennedy Center. The judge also blocked the administration from moving forward with plans to close the cultural institution for a two-year renovation project that was slated to begin in July.
The decision forced the Kennedy Center to begin reversing the name change. A June 4 memo from the center’s legal office instructed staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in official communications.
The venue’s website has already removed Trump’s name, and recent promotional materials, including invitations for the June 28 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor ceremony, were distributed under the Kennedy Center branding without reference to the president.
Trump’s Reshaping of the Kennedy Center
Trump largely ignored the Kennedy Center during his first term, but he moved aggressively to reshape the institution after returning to office.
Within weeks of beginning his second term, Trump removed much of the center’s previous leadership and installed a handpicked board of trustees that named him chairman. Former acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell initially served as president of the center before Matt Floca assumed the role in March.
Under the new leadership, the Kennedy Center expanded programming viewed as more aligned with Trump and his supporters, including hosting the premiere of first lady Melania Trump’s documentary, Melania.
The board also announced the facility would be known as the “Trump Kennedy Center” and added the president’s name to portions of the building’s exterior — actions that critics argued exceeded the board’s legal authority.
Arts Community Pushes Back
The rebranding effort sparked significant backlash throughout the arts community.
Several prominent performers and cultural figures withdrew from planned appearances, including Issa Rae, Béla Fleck, and Louise Penny. Others, including musician Ben Folds and singer Renée Fleming, resigned from advisory and consulting roles.
More recently, Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, departed to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in California.
Board Backs Trump Despite Legal Challenge
Despite the court ruling, the Kennedy Center board signaled continued support for Trump’s leadership during Thursday’s meeting.
Board member Rep. Rick Larsen, who serves as an ex officio member, said he opposed pursuing a stay and urged the institution to move beyond the controversy.
The board nevertheless approved a resolution praising Trump’s “commitment to uphold this cherished American institution.”
What Happens Next
The appeal now heads to a higher court, where the administration will seek to overturn Cooper’s ruling and preserve Trump’s efforts to leave a lasting mark on the Kennedy Center.
The legal fight could determine not only whether Trump’s name remains associated with the iconic venue but also clarify the limits of presidential influence over federally chartered cultural institutions.
