Appeals Court Keeps Trump's Name off Kennedy Center

A US appeals court ruled on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot restore the president’s name to the facade of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington while the appeal is pending. A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied the administration's request to stay the lower court’s ruling.

The lawsuit was filed by Democratic Representative and Kennedy Center board member Joyce Beatty. The appeals court did not rule on the merits of the case, which will continue.

Trump’s name was removed from the building's facade and signage last month following a May ruling by District Judge Christopher Cooper. Cooper also blocked the administration’s plan to close the center for a two-year renovation scheduled to begin on 4 July.

In its appeal, the White House argued that removing the president’s name would harm fundraising efforts and contribute to the institution’s financial decline. However, in an unsigned ruling, the appeals court said the administration had failed to provide evidence supporting those claims.

The panel included two judges appointed by former President Barack Obama and one appointed by Trump during his first term.

(Reuters, Max)