The D.C. circuit appeals court on July 8 denied President Donald Trump’s bid to pause the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., while he appeals a lower court ruling. A three-judge panel, including Judge Gregory Katsas, a Trump appointee, and Judges Patricia Millett and Robert Wilkins, both Obama appointees, ruled that the administration failed to demonstrate that either the president or the performing arts center would suffer irreparable harm if the name removal proceeded.

The judges noted that the administration argued the removal would cause irreparable harm in terms of expense and wasted time, but since the removal had already occurred, a stay would not prevent those harms. They also rejected claims that the removal would financially harm the Kennedy Center, stating the appellants did not provide specific facts or evidence to support such assertions.

Photojournalists confirmed that Trump’s name was removed from the building in late June, following a judge’s order issued after Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) filed a lawsuit to block the president’s overhaul of the venue. Beatty issued a statement saying, “Today’s ruling again affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename the Kennedy Center were unlawful.”

The appeals court’s decision allows the removal of Trump’s name to remain in effect as the legal process continues.

Sources