An appeals court in Washington DC rejected an emergency appeal seeking to pause the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center on Friday night, marking a key moment in the ongoing dispute over the venue's facade.
Appeals Court Denies Emergency Request
Justice department lawyers for Donald Trump and his hand-picked Kennedy Center board filed the emergency appeal earlier in the day, asking the court to stay a judge's order that his name be removed from the facade of Washington's leading performing arts venue. The Kennedy Center filed its appeal shortly before the Friday evening deadline set by US district judge Christopher Cooper. Earlier on Friday, Cooper denied a last-minute bid by the center to keep his name on the building.
Workers Prepare for Removal
As crews returned on Friday evening, onlookers gathered once again at the center to cheer on workers in hard hats and yellow vests assembling at the building, apparently ready to pry the president's name from its marbled exterior. “Take it down!” they chanted. An exuberant crowd gathered as workers continued to assemble scaffolding along the building, currently named the Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Many residents of the capital have viewed the rebranding of the Kennedy Center, and Trump's other architectural ambitions, as narcissistic and anti-democratic. Carolyn, a 50-year-old retired government worker who did not wish to give her surname, said: “Putting his name on everything is right out of the dictator playbook.”
Other Key Developments
Justice Department Approves Major Merger
Trump's Department of Justice has decided to approve the $111bn merger of Paramount Skydance, controlled by the Ellison family, and Warner Bros Discovery, the parent company of networks including CNN and HBO. The deal was approved after months of review, despite concerns about reduced competition in the entertainment industry.
US-Iran Peace Deal Remains Elusive
Prospects for an immediate end to the war between Iran and the US remained uncertain on Friday amid conflicting claims by US and Iranian officials. Trump distanced himself from earlier comments suggesting a preliminary agreement could be signed soon, posting on social media that the Iranians are “very dishonorable people to deal with.”
Trump Seeks Symbolic Expunging of Impeachments
The president is pressing Congress to pass a resolution that would symbolically nullify the two impeachments he suffered during his first term. The effort, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, would allow Trump to claim a symbolic victory but would have little legal significance.
Federal Funds Cut to LA Homeless Services
The Trump administration has suspended federal funding to Los Angeles's homeless agency, the latest move rescinding funding to California amid Trump's feud with the state's Democratic leaders.
SpaceX Makes Historic Stock Market Debut
SpaceX made the biggest stock market debut in history on Friday, with public trading beginning around midday. The starting share price of $150 quickly jumped by a double-digit percentage, sending the company's valuation above $2tn. The IPO made CEO Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire.
