Kennedy Center launches Trump endowment fund days after removing his name from building

WASHINGTON, DC: Just days after workers removed President Donald Trump's name from the exterior of the Kennedy Center, the performing arts institution has announced a new endowment fund bearing his name.

The development comes after a federal court ruling forced the center to reverse an earlier decision to rename the building in Trump's honor.

Despite that setback, officials confirmed on Sunday, June 14, that a new fundraising initiative called the "Trump Kennedy Center Fund" is moving forward.

Kennedy Center says Trump fund will honor his contributions

The Kennedy Center confirmed that it is establishing a new endowment in Trump's name, creating an unexpected twist in the ongoing debate over his relationship with the cultural institution.

Roma Daravi, the center's vice president of public relations, explained the purpose behind the fund while speaking to The Hill.

According to Daravi, the fund “is intended to recognize” Trump's “significant contributions and dedication to America’s premier cultural center, while furthering our founding mission like never before.”

The fund will focus on raising private donations to support the center's operations and programs.

Officials said the initiative is separate from the institution's existing endowments and donor programs.

The announcement drew attention because it arrived almost immediately after Trump's name was removed from the building itself.

CBS News first reported on Sunday that the Kennedy Center was creating the new fund.

The White House had not publicly commented on the development at the time of the report.

Trump's name was removed from the Kennedy Center facade on Saturday

Workers removed Trump's name from the outside of the Kennedy Center on Saturday in compliance with a federal court order.

The action followed a ruling by US District Judge Christopher Cooper in a case challenging the renaming of the institution as “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”

Court records showed that the Trump administration confirmed it had complied with the ruling around 11 am EDT on Saturday.

The filing came after Cooper granted a 12-hour extension request that had been sought because of weather concerns.

The decision marked a significant setback for efforts to permanently associate Trump's name with the landmark arts center.

Cooper had ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the institution because it was originally dedicated to former President John F Kennedy.

He also ruled against a separate decision involving the planned closure of the center for renovations.

Trump's influence at the Kennedy Center remains a major issue

The dispute over the Kennedy Center has been building for months.

Last year, Trump removed the center's leadership and appointed trustees who later selected him as chair.

In December, the board voted to add the Republican leader's name to the institution, which first opened in 1971 as a memorial honoring JFK.

That move was challenged by Rep Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who serves as an ex officio board member of the center.

The Democrat filed a lawsuit seeking to block both the renaming effort and a planned two-year closure for renovations.

The renovation project had been scheduled to begin on July 5.

Her legal challenge ultimately led to Cooper's ruling, which sided with her position on both issues.

While the court decision resulted in Trump's name being removed from the building, the newly announced endowment ensures that his connection to the Kennedy Center will continue in another form.

According to a center official, the fund will help generate additional private revenue to supplement the institution's congressional funding, which currently stands at $257 million.

Officials also emphasized that the "Trump Kennedy Center Fund" will operate separately from existing donor programs.

The center already receives support from a wide range of individuals and foundations, with contributions ranging from more than $50,000 to more than $1 million.