Appeals court denies Trump administration's bid to keep name on Kennedy Center

Earlier Friday, a judge rejected a request to pause the court-ordered deadline, and an appeal of that ruling was also denied Friday evening. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper had previously ruled that only Congress has the authority to make changes to the Kennedy Center’s name. The ruling also blocked the administration from closing the venue for major renovations planned to start in July. The Kennedy Center's leadership argued in its appeal that the renovation was badly needed and accused the lower court of interfering. The venue has taken steps to comply with Cooper’s ruling, including updating staff documents and removing Trump’s name from its website and recent member communications.

Dozens of people gathered on the plaza Friday to witness the removal, with Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member who sued to have Trump’s name removed, also present.