The Kennedy Center's general counsel issued a memo Thursday directing staff to remove President Donald Trump's name from the performing arts venue by June 12, following a federal court ruling that found the board had exceeded its authority.
The memo instructed employees to remove all references to Trump's name from signs, brochures, websites, furniture, and other materials. Staff were also told to update email signatures and letterhead immediately.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Friday that the Kennedy Center's board had overstepped its authority when it voted to add Trump's name to the center. "Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it," Cooper said in his decision.
The memo marked the first indication that the Kennedy Center intends to comply with the court's order. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, had filed a lawsuit on December 23 against Trump and others, alleging that the move to add his name was illegal.