Kennedy Center Seeks More Time to Remove Trump Name After Court Rejects Appeal

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. is facing a court-mandated deadline to remove Donald Trump's name from its building, but has requested additional time, citing delays attributed to recent storms in the area.

A federal judge initially ordered the removal, a decision recently upheld by an appeals court which also rejected the center's plea to pause the order pending further legal proceedings. Lawyers for the Justice Department, representing the center, stated that while work is underway, inclement weather has slowed progress. They had anticipated completing the name removal by Saturday, June 13.

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We know we are on the side of justice and the law.

In a 22-page filing, the Justice Department reiterated arguments that reverting to the original name could confuse the public if the center ultimately wins its ongoing lawsuit over the name change. Furthermore, they warned that compliance could jeopardize significant private donations, potentially forcing the return of hundreds of millions of dollars if Trump's name is removed from official documents, marketing materials, and the building's facade.

Despite the legal dispute, workers had begun preparations to remove the nameplate. However, the process was interrupted by storms. Protesters gathered at the site, advocating for the name's removal. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who initiated the lawsuit, was present to observe the operation, declaring, "We know we are on the side of justice and the law." She acknowledged that legal battles would likely continue at every step.

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Of course they will fight against us. There will be a legal battle at every step.