A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to explain why a tarp and scaffolding remain over the Kennedy Center’s facade after workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the building. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper gave the Kennedy Center until July 31 to provide details on the purpose and status of the tarp and scaffolding, which were erected after Trump’s name was removed under a court order.
The tarp was installed as workers removed Trump’s name in a predawn operation earlier this month, following Cooper’s ruling that the administration unlawfully added his name to the facade in December. The White House and Kennedy Center have not responded to requests for comment.
In a lawsuit brought by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a Kennedy Center board member, the judge last month ordered the removal of Trump’s name and blocked his plans to close the venue for two years of renovations starting July 4. The Trump administration has asked a federal appeals court to put that order on hold. Beatty’s lawyers argue the tarp obscures President John F. Kennedy’s name and appears to be an effort to frustrate the restoration of the building’s original status.
The Kennedy Center’s management has proposed several options for the board, including a complete closure for renovations, a partial closure with limited programming, or phased closures to address critical infrastructure needs while maintaining programming. Judge Cooper denied a request for an extension and mandated a status report within seven days of the board’s July meeting or by July 31, whichever comes first.