A federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday that Donald Trump’s name may not be permanently inscribed on the U.S. Institute of Peace building while a legal dispute remains active. The court’s decision serves as a temporary block, halting the physical alteration of the building’s exterior until the broader litigation is resolved.

The underlying lawsuit was initiated by former board members of the Institute of Peace who were removed from their positions. These plaintiffs are challenging the legality of the administration’s takeover of the organization, arguing that the leadership changes were improper. While the appeals court has permitted the administration’s takeover of the institute to move forward while the case is pending, this specific ruling prevents the permanent addition of the former president’s name to the facility’s facade for the duration of the legal proceedings.

The case highlights a conflict between the executive branch’s authority to appoint leadership within federal institutes and the protections afforded to previous board members. As the court continues to weigh the merits of the lawsuit, the physical appearance of the building will remain unchanged. The court’s decision is a procedural step rather than a final judgment on the merits of the board members' removal, but it effectively preserves the status quo regarding the building's signage until a final ruling is issued.