Appeals Court Denies Kennedy Center Board's Request to Block Removal of Trump's Name

The Kennedy Center board requested a federal appeals court on June 12, 2026, to temporarily block a judge's order requiring the removal of President Donald Trump's name from the institution's signage and official materials. The appeals court denied the board's request for an immediate administrative stay. The board argued that changes to the building should not occur before appellate judges review the dispute. A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit declined to temporarily block the enforcement of the district court's order while the appeal is ongoing. The appeals court has set a briefing schedule for the broader stay-pending-appeal motion, with responses due by June 22 and a reply by June 29. The original ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper stated that Congress has the authority over the Kennedy Center's name, not the board. The judge ordered compliance with the removal within 14 days, citing that the board had not shown a likelihood of success on appeal or irreparable harm. The board expressed concerns that removing Trump's name could incur costs and impact fundraising efforts.