A federal judge has decided that the Washington arts institution must remove President Trump’s name from its building by Friday. Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the Federal District Court in Washington stated that only Congress can change the name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This center was originally dedicated to President Kennedy under a 1964 law.

On Thursday, the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which mainly includes supporters of Mr. Trump, voted to appeal the judge’s decision. This vote occurred as the deadline for name removal approached.

Judge Cooper found that the board lacks the authority to change the name on its own. Therefore, Trump’s name must be removed by Friday unless Congress intervenes. As of yet, representatives from the Kennedy Center have not commented on the matter.

Initially, officials allied with Trump at the Kennedy Center declared their intention to challenge the ruling. They expressed confidence that the court would honor the board’s decision to acknowledge Trump’s significant contributions to the cultural venue.