After a legal order mandated its removal, Donald Trump’s name is now being taken down from the Kennedy Center, a renowned performing arts venue. Scaffolding was set up around the area containing Trump’s name, with the Kennedy Center requesting an extension due to thunderstorms in the Washington region causing a brief delay.
The Kennedy Center assured in a court filing that the removal process was ongoing and would be completed soon. Workers began covering the scaffolding with tarps before starting to dismantle Trump’s name. Onlookers gathered at the Kennedy Center plaza, taking photos and cheering as workers carried out the removal.
Despite attempts to halt the deadline, a judge rejected the request, which was later appealed but also denied. Trump, upon returning to office, had significant influence over the Kennedy Center, orchestrating changes to its leadership and having his name added to the building.
A U.S. District Judge ruled that only Congress could alter the Kennedy Center’s name, preventing planned renovations from proceeding. The Kennedy Center’s management argued for the necessity of renovations but accused the court of impeding their efforts.
While resisting the removal of Trump’s name, the Kennedy Center has complied with the initial ruling. Internal memos instructed staff to refer to the venue as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.” The website no longer features Trump’s name, and promotional emails excluded his name as well.