Judge questions Kennedy Center’s plan to restore Trump’s name
A federal judge has questioned the Kennedy Center's timeline for restoring Donald Trump's name to the venue, challenging the board's insistence on a specific date despite previous court rulings. The administration has since agreed to delay the changes until October to allow for further judicial review.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing legal and political friction regarding the legacy and branding of the Trump administration in public institutions.
By STEVEN SLOAN Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] --> Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. --> Share
WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge on Thursday expressed skepticism about the Kennedy Center’s intention to return President Donald Trump’s name to the historic performing arts venue by early next month, challenging the board’s insistence on moving forward even in the face of a court ruling that blocked and reversed a previous effort.
Just seconds after the Trump administration’s lawyer, Brantley Mayers, began making his case at a nearly two-hour hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper interrupted to ask why the center needed to begin inscribing the president’s name on the institution’s facade as soon as Sept. 8 .
“What’s magic about that date?” Cooper asked, quipping that sometimes judges travel over the Labor Day holiday.
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