WASHINGTON – The Kennedy Center, a major performing arts venue in the U.S., has started removing references to former President Donald Trump. This decision comes after a federal judge ruled that his name had been added to the center illegally.
Roma Daravi, the Kennedy Center’s vice president of public relations, stated that they are following the court’s order while exploring other legal options. They aim to maintain the center’s revitalization and recognize Trump’s leadership appropriately.
A memo sent to staff indicated that all official documents, including email signatures and letterhead, should now refer to the facility as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.”
These changes must be completed by June 12, according to the memo.
In a decision made on May 29, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper not only ruled against the name change but also stopped plans to close the Kennedy Center for major renovations that were set to begin in July.
Following the ruling, Trump announced he would step back from the renovation plans and hand over control of the venue to Congress, marking a significant shift in his approach to the Kennedy Center.
The day after the ruling, Trump took to social media to criticize Judge Cooper, calling him “an anti-Trump Hater.” He also expressed his belief that the Kennedy Center might never reopen after the planned renovations.
This removal of Trump’s name symbolizes a setback for his second-term plans, which included plans to redesign several iconic landmarks in Washington, D.C.
On the same day as the ruling, Trump’s administration announced that renovations of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool had been completed, painting it in what he described as “American flag blue.” Furthermore, plans were in place to demolish the White House East Wing to create a large ballroom and to build an archway connecting the Lincoln Memorial to Arlington National Cemetery.
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This report included contributions from Associated Press writer Hillel Italie in New York, with Kinnard reporting from Columbia, S.C.
