White House to appeal judge's order to remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center

The Trump administration is set to appeal a federal judge's order demanding the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center. The notice of appeal was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. This move follows a decision by the President's handpicked Kennedy Center board to seek a stay of the ruling.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 that only Congress has the authority to rename the cultural institution. He ordered all references to Mr. Trump to be removed by Friday. The judge also blocked the administration from closing the venue for planned renovations. The board's decision to seek a stay signals a shift from previous internal guidance that directed staff to use the updated name.

Despite the board's action, some members, like Rep. Rick Larsen, have voiced opposition, expressing a desire to move past the controversy and focus on supporting the arts. The Kennedy Center's website has already dropped the president's name, and recent communications have omitted it. The controversy intensified after Trump's return to office, leading to the ousting of previous leadership, the appointment of a new board, and renaming the facility the Trump Kennedy Center, a change widely seen as requiring congressional approval. The fallout included artists and consultants withdrawing from appearances or resigning.

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I look forward to putting these distractions behind us and focusing on supporting the arts and the future of the Center.