The Trump administration plans to appeal a judge’s directive to remove President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. This appeal was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Thursday.

Earlier that day, the Trump-appointed Kennedy Center board decided to seek a stay on the ruling made by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper on May 29. Cooper’s ruling stated that the inclusion of President Trump’s name on the Kennedy Center was unlawful and ordered its removal by Friday. The judge also halted the administration’s plans to begin major renovations at the venue starting in July, which were expected to last two years.

The board’s decision marks a change from previous guidance. On June 4, the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel directed staff to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” in all communications.

The Kennedy Center’s website has already removed President Trump’s name. Moreover, an email promoting ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony omitted reference to Mr. Trump.

Rep. Rick Larsen, a Democrat from Washington and a non-voting board member, opposed the decision to seek a stay. He stated his desire to move beyond these issues to focus on supporting the arts at the Center.

During his return to office, President Trump has significantly influenced the Kennedy Center, despite showing minimal interest during his first term. In his second term’s first month, he replaced the previous leadership and installed a new board of trustees, making himself chairman. He appointed Richard Grenell as president, who was succeeded by Matt Floca in March. The programming at the Center shifted to include events sympathetic to Trump, such as the premiere of Melania Trump’s documentary.

The board had earlier renamed the facility as the Trump Kennedy Center, a decision requiring congressional approval, and visibly added Trump’s name to the building.

The arts community responded quickly and vehemently to these changes. Several artists, including Issa Rae, Bela Fleck, and Louise Penny, pulled out of their engagements. Consultants like Ben Folds and Renée Fleming resigned. The executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, also left for a role at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

In addition to the stay, the board passed a resolution acknowledging President Trump’s efforts to support the Kennedy Center.