The Kennedy Center's Trump-appointed board voted Thursday to seek a legal stay that would block the removal of the president's name from the Washington performing arts venue, defying a federal judge's ruling issued last month.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 that Trump's name was added to the Kennedy Center illegally and ordered it removed by Friday. The judge determined that only Congress has the authority to change the venue's official designation. Cooper also blocked planned major renovations that were set to begin in July.
The board will formally file the stay request on Friday, according to a person with knowledge of the closed-door Thursday vote.
The maneuver represents an abrupt reversal from the Kennedy Center's own guidance just two weeks earlier. In early June, the venue's legal office instructed staff that email signatures, letterhead and other materials should revert to "The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or simply "Kennedy Center." The institution's website has already scrubbed Trump's name, and recent communications to members about upcoming events have dropped the presidential reference entirely.
Trump reasserted dominance over the Kennedy Center during his second term, far exceeding the influence he exercised during his first administration. Within a month of taking office, he dismantled the previous leadership structure and installed a board loyal to him, naming himself chairman. Ric Grenell initially served as president before Matt Floca took over in March. The center has since become a venue for Trump-friendly events, including the premiere of first lady Melania Trump's documentary.
The decision to add Trump's name sparked an exodus from the arts community. Actor Issa Rae, musician Bela Fleck and author Louise Penny withdrew from scheduled performances. Consultant musicians including Ben Folds and Renée Fleming resigned their positions. The National Symphony Orchestra's executive director, Jean Davidson, departed to lead the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts earlier this month.
Beyond seeking the legal stay, the board passed a resolution praising Trump's "commitment to uphold this cherished American institution."
Author James Rodriguez: "This is less about preserving a name on a building and more about testing how far Trump's board can push against a federal judge's order, and whether the courts will ultimately have the final say."
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