Workers erected scaffolding under the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts sign in Washington on Friday as the venue faced challenges in keeping President Donald Trump’s name on its facade. A judge had rejected a request to delay the removal of Trump’s name, a change mandated by a court-ordered deadline that day.

The Kennedy Center’s attempts to appeal the decision were unsuccessful. Scaffolding went up around areas featuring Trump’s name, but no removal efforts were made by 7 p.m. Eastern Time, despite challenging weather conditions in Washington.

President Trump previously exerted significant influence over the Kennedy Center. Following his return to office, he replaced the prior leadership with a new board of trustees that appointed him chairman. This led to the swift addition of his name to the building.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that only Congress could make changes to the name of the Kennedy Center. He also barred the administration from commencing major renovations set to begin in July, intended to last two years. The Kennedy Center leadership’s appeal argued the renovations were crucial, citing potential structural hazards like rusted beams and garage ceilings.

“The District Court is not allowing us to close in order to properly fix up and repair the Building, including potentially life-threatening structural damage like beams and parking garage ceilings that are rusted, and in serious danger of falling onto people below,” stated the appeal.

Despite the controversy, the Kennedy Center has moved to comply with Cooper’s ruling. A memo from the Office of General Counsel instructed staff to use the formal name “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center” in email signatures, letterhead, and other documents. Additionally, the center’s website has removed Trump’s name, aligning with the court’s directive. In communications for events such as the Mark Twain Award ceremony, the center has omitted Trump’s name in correspondence.