The Kennedy Center has removed President Donald Trump’s name from its website ahead of a Friday deadline imposed by an Obama-appointed judge late last month.The performing arts institution’s website previously said “The Trump Kennedy Center” at the top of every page.The same was done to the center’s YouTube channel, but on its other social media accounts, Trump’s name remained in the title as of Monday afternoon. Additionally, Trump’s name is still on the front of the venue.
All references to Trump in the Kennedy Center’s signage, digital materials, and branding must be removed by June 12. On May 29, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled as such after determining that the name change was made unlawfully.
The lawsuit filed by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) argued Congress needed to rename the building because it “named the center by statute” following the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Instead of Congress, Trump’s hand-picked board of trustees for the Kennedy Center approved the name change last year. The judge ultimately sided with the plaintiff.
Cooper also blocked the planned two-year renovation that would have closed the Kennedy Center to the public for that period. Trump wanted the lengthy renovation to repair the building, which has suffered water damage and steel rusting over the years.
