Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 13: US President Donald Trump suffered a legal setback on Thursday after an appeals court rejected an emergency motion seeking to prevent the removal of his name from the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The ruling cleared the way for workers to proceed with removing Trump's name from the building, drawing crowds of spectators despite intermittent rain, thunder and lightning in the US capital.
Several residents and arts supporters gathered outside the venue to witness the anticipated removal. Among them was retired teacher Carolina Clarence, who criticised the decision to place Trump's name on the building and expressed concerns about the impact of recent changes on the institution.
Local artist and actor Katrina Clark, a former employee of the Kennedy Center, said adding Trump's name to a memorial dedicated to former US President John F. Kennedy was morally and ethically wrong. She also alleged that employees had faced layoffs and labour-related issues following management changes.
Trump's legal team had approached the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia seeking to pause an order issued by US District Judge Christopher Cooper, who ruled that the addition of Trump's name to the building was unlawful and must be reversed.
Earlier in the day, Judge Cooper also rejected a separate request from Trump's lawyers seeking to delay implementation of the order.
Following the ruling, scaffolding was erected outside the Kennedy Center as preparations began for the removal of the signage. The development attracted widespread public attention, with media organisations and arts advocacy groups livestreaming the proceedings.
The legal challenge was initiated by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, a Democratic member of the Kennedy Center's board.
Trump began reshaping the management of the institution in February 2025 by dismissing the existing board, appointing political allies and naming himself chairman. As part of his efforts to make the venue “less woke”, he cancelled several scheduled performances and secured federal funding worth $257 million for renovation work.
In December, the newly appointed board voted to rename the facility the "Trump-Kennedy Center", and fresh signage was installed soon afterwards. Trump had described the decision as unanimous.
The latest ruling marks another setback for Trump's efforts to preserve the controversial renaming, while critics have welcomed the court's decision as a move to protect the Kennedy Center's original legacy and independence.