Judge Questions Kennedy Center's Sept. 8 Trump Inscription as Board Pushes Ahead Despite May Ruling
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 27
Judge Questions Kennedy Center's Sept. 8 Trump Inscription as Board Pushes Ahead Despite May Ruling
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 27
Summary
Judge Christopher Cooper pressed the Kennedy Center on why it must start inscribing Donald Trump's name by Sept. 8, signaling skepticism at a nearly two-hour hearing over the board's latest plan.
The Trump-aligned board voted this month to add wording crediting Trump with restoring and renovating the center, arguing it is recognition rather than a renaming barred by Cooper's May ruling.
Cooper also questioned whether he still has jurisdiction to block the move while the administration appeals, while Rep. Joyce Beatty's lawyer warned inaction would leave the earlier order unenforceable.
Administration lawyers tied the inscription to fundraising, saying a $100 million Trump fund could trigger a second dedication and warning the building could otherwise deteriorate toward demolition.