Kennedy Center Tells Staff to Immediately Remove Trump’s Name From Documents
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been ordered by a federal judge to remove President Trump's name from its branding, deeming the board's decision to add his name unlawful.
- A memo from the center's general counsel instructed employees to immediately update all official materials, including social media, email signatures, and signage, with a June 12 deadline for physical signage changes.
- The center's board, largely composed of Trump's allies, had voted in December to add his name to the building, which was quickly displayed on the marble facade.
- Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that only Congress has the authority to rename the center, originally dedicated to John F. Kennedy in 1964, and mandated the removal of Trump's name within two weeks.
- Although center officials indicated plans to appeal the ruling, no appeal has been filed yet, and Trump threatened to withdraw from his chairman role in response to the decision.