Judge denies Kennedy Center request for pause in ruling ordering Trump's name removed from building

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper has denied the Kennedy Center’s request to pause his ruling ordering Donald Trump’s name removed from the building, keeping a Friday deadline in place as the center weighs its next legal steps.

The decision preserves the timetable set by the court after Cooper previously ruled that Trump’s name had been added illegally and that only Congress can rename the federally created performing arts institution.

Court keeps deadline in place

The Kennedy Center sought a pause after the judge’s earlier order required references to Trump to come down by Friday. AP reported that the center made a last-minute effort Thursday to keep the name on the facade, but Cooper rejected the request for a delay.

The ruling means the center remains under a court order to remove the name while it evaluates whether to appeal.

Kennedy Center prepares appeal

Axios reported Thursday that the Kennedy Center planned to appeal the ruling. On Friday, Axios reported that the judge denied the center’s last-minute request to delay removal and that the deadline remains in force.

A Kennedy Center spokesperson told Axios, “We are complying with the court's order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump's leadership.”

The center has already removed Trump’s name from its website. Its Office of General Counsel also told staff in a June 4 memo that email signatures, letterhead and other documents should use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center.”

Background of the dispute

The case stems from a Trump-backed board move to rename the center after Trump. Rep. Joyce Beatty challenged the board’s authority, arguing that the institution’s name cannot be changed without Congress.

Cooper also blocked a planned two-year renovation that was set to begin in July, adding to the uncertainty around the center’s near-term plans.

What happens next

The key questions now are whether the Kennedy Center files a formal appeal before the deadline and whether the name is physically removed from the building facade on time.

The court’s order leaves the dispute in place for now, with the center still formally operating under the original name under federal law.

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