Kennedy Center Board to Appeal Judge's Order to Remove Trump's Name

The Board of Trustees for the Kennedy Center plans to appeal a federal judge's order that mandates the removal of President Trump's name from the performing arts center. This decision comes as a Friday deadline approaches for the removal of signage from the building in Washington, D.C.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the ruling last month, siding with a lawsuit brought by Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio). Beatty, an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, argued that the board had "overstepped its statutory bounds by unilaterally renaming the Kennedy Center after President Trump."

The board, which was appointed by President Trump, voted to pursue the appeal. Earlier this week, the center had indicated it would comply with the ruling by removing Trump's name from its website and social media accounts. Spokesperson Roma Daravi told The Washington Post that the center was "complying with the court's order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump's leadership."

According to Axios, this appeal could prolong the controversy surrounding President Trump's name and the future of the renowned cultural institution.