The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts faces an urgent deadline to remove former President Donald Trump’s name. This follows a court decision finding that the center’s board lacked the authority to make this change unilaterally.

On Friday, a federal judge refused to delay an order issued the previous month. This leaves the Kennedy Center with little time to comply. The Associated Press reports that the decision focuses on whether the center’s leadership could change its name without congressional approval, a point contested by the court ruling.

CNN has reported that the Kennedy Center must meet the deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Friday to take down Trump’s name.

Key Details

This legal battle has gained national attention due to the center’s significance as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

The court previously decided that name changes at the institution fall under the jurisdiction of Congress. This goes beyond the powers of the board. Attempts by Kennedy Center officials to resist or delay implementing the order were unsuccessful. As the deadline approaches, the ruling remains in effect.

This decision marks a significant defeat for those seeking to retain Trump’s name on the center. Appeals have been denied. With the deadline near, the institution is set to comply with the court’s order. CNN reports seeing crews and scaffolding outside the building on Friday evening.

Following last month’s ruling to remove his name and halt renovation plans, Trump stated, “Based on the fact that the Radical Left Democrats care more about opposing your favorite President, ME, than saving a dying Performing Arts Center, almost all of which lose large amounts of money throughout the Country, we are going to be working with Congress to transfer this failing Institution back to them so they can make a determination as to what to do with it.”

This story is developing. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.