Appeals Court Rejects Trump Bid to Restore Name to Kennedy Center

Key facts

• A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration's request to pause the removal of Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
• The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled on Wednesday.
• The court said the administration provided no specific evidence that removal harmed fundraising.
• Trump's name was removed from the facade and signage in June 2026.
• U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the removal in May 2026.
• Cooper also blocked Trump's plan to close the center for two years of renovations starting July 4, 2026.
• The lawsuit was brought by Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democratic board member.
• This is the second time the same appellate panel declined to intervene on Trump's behalf.
• The panel included two Obama appointees (Patricia Millett, Robert Wilkins) and one Trump appointee (Gregory Katsas).
• The ruling is not on the merits; Trump's appeal can continue.
• The court barred the administration from claiming the Trump Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Foundation must return money if the name is not restored.
• Scaffolding and tarp remain on the facade; Judge Cooper demanded an explanation.
• Since Trump took control of the board, several artists withdrew from performances and ticket sales fell.