By Maribel Velazquez
The president’s administration donald trump will appeal the decision of a federal judge who ordered the removal of the president’s name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Artsa dispute that has opened a new front between the White House and the Judiciary over the protection of one of the most emblematic cultural institutions in the country.
According to information from APthe notice of appeal was filed on Thursday with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, after the venue’s board of directors, made up of members selected by Trump, voted to request the suspension of the ruling.
The origin of the correct battle
On May 29, the federal judge Christopher Cooper determined that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was carried out illegally and concluded that only the United States Congress has the power to officially change the name of the institution.
As part of his resolution, he ordered all references to the president removed by Friday and also blocked the administration’s plans to temporarily close the facility in order to carry out extensive renovations.
The decision represented a setback for the strategy promoted by the center’s current board of directors, which even promoted the use of the name “Trump Kennedy Heart” and authorized the physical placement of the president’s surname on the façade of the building.
An institution transformed under Trump
Since his return to the White House, Trump has significantly increased his influence over the Kennedy Center. Just a few weeks into his second term, he replaced the previous board of directors with one made up of political allies.
The new administration of the venue has promoted programming closer to the interests of the president, including events such as the presentation of the documentary “Melania”starring the first lady.
Reactions in the cultural world
The controversy provoked a strong reaction among artists and figures linked to the center. According to the aforementioned agency, personalities such as Issa Rae, Bela Fleck and Louise Penny canceled planned presentations, while collaborators such as Ben Folds and Renee Fleming They resigned from their positions.
For his part, the Democratic congressman Rick Larsena member of the board of directors, opposed the appeal.
“I hope to leave these distractions behind and focus on supporting the arts and the future of the Center,” he stated.
As the appeal continues, the case could set a precedent for the limits of presidential influence over federally funded cultural institutions.
Keep reading:
- Donald Trump’s signature will appear on one dollar bills
- The name change of the Kennedy Heart provokes indignation in some relatives of the former president
- Trump’s name added to the facade of the historic Kennedy Heart in Washington DC
