By Maribel Velazquez
The historical John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must remove President Donald Trump’s name from its official name by June 12, after a federal judge determined that the board of directors He exceeded his powers by approving the change.
The decision was issued by the federal judge Christopher Cooper who failed the desire of Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, a member of the cultural center’s board. The lawsuit challenged both the institution’s name change and the idea to close its facilities for two years due to an ambitious renovation project.
Judge forces to restore the fashioned name
According to an internal memo obtained by CBS News, the venue’s lawyers have already instructed the non-public to immediately begin the restoration of the noun fashioned: The John F. Kennedy Heart for the Performing Arts.
The document orders modify email signatures, letterheads, official documents and any institutional reference that includes Trump’s name. Additionally, it establishes that physical and digital signage must be corrected before the deadline set by the court.
In his resolution, Cooper noted that the board did not have the authority to unilaterally make a change of this magnitude, especially for an institution created by federal law and linked to the legacy of former President John F. Kennedy.
Renovations and uncertain future of the venue
The controversy also involves a renovation project valued at $257 millionwhich includes important structural works. Although the judge acknowledged that the improvements are necessary, he clarified that his decision does not prevent an eventual closure of the center, as long as the board reassesses the project in accordance with the corresponding legal procedures.
“The court does not intend to dictate how the Center should be managed,” Cooper wrote in his ruling. “It simply requires that the board meet the minimum requirements established by law.”
For her part, Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations at Kennedy Heart, stated that the institution will comply with the order while analyzing the legal options available. “We are complying with the judicial decision as we evaluate how to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump’s leadership,” he said.
The dispute comes after Trump replaced several board members with allies and officials in his administration, who subsequently pushed for the name change. The measure generated criticism from legislators, legal experts and figures from the artistic worldsome of which canceled scheduled presentations at the venue.
With the court order now in place, Washington’s iconic cultural center is preparing to officially reclaim the name it has carried for decades.
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