Kathmandu— The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., announced it will postpone immediately re-inscribing President Donald Trump’s name on the building as part of an ongoing legal battle over its control and designation; the board committed to no further action before September 8 in a court filing Tuesday. The dispute centers around efforts by a largely self-appointed board, since the start of Trump's second term in 2025, to increase presidential influence over the arts venue—including naming him as chairman and affixing his name to the building—a move critics argue violates the congressional act establishing the center as a memorial to John F. Kennedy.

Legal Dispute Over Renaming

In May, a federal judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the building following a lawsuit filed by Joyce Beatty, a Democratic lawmaker on the venue's board, who alleged violations of laws governing the Kennedy Center. Despite this ruling, the board last week voted 20-3 to inscribe “restored and renovated by President Donald J Trump” beneath existing signage and name the plaza after him. Beatty’s lawyers contend that some board members “seem intent on defying the Court’s decision,” fearing further unlawful resolutions will be attempted after September 8.

Justification for Continued Construction

The Kennedy Center argues that a tarp and scaffolding currently obscuring the area where Trump's name was previously displayed are necessary for ongoing “water testing and structural repairs to the roof overhang.” Lawyers representing both Trump and the board maintain this protective barrier served as a safety measure during construction and helped safeguard the marble facade, which they claim sustained damage during the initial installation and removal of the lettering. Beatty’s legal team, however, interprets this explanation as an admission of damage to the venue's historic marble.

Escalating Legal Costs

The dispute has already resulted in significant legal expenses for the Kennedy Center; last week, a judge awarded jazz musician Chuck Redd over $250,000 to cover his legal fees after the center sued him for cancelling a performance due to its Trump rebrand. That case was dismissed in June. Beatty’s lawsuit is one of several legal entanglements that have plagued the historic arts venue since Trump's return to office.

The Kennedy Center board has not committed to uncovering the area where Trump’s name once was, and the outcome of the legal battle remains uncertain as the September 8 deadline approaches.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.