Kennedy Center Removes Donald Trump's Name After Court Order
The Kennedy Center complied with a federal judge's deadline to take down signage bearing former President Donald Trump's name, following the court's rejection of the venue's request for an extension.
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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced on Saturday that it had removed all signage bearing former President Donald Trump's name from its building and grounds, fulfilling a federal court order. Executive director and chief operating officer Matt Floca told the court that the board of trustees had taken down the signage on the front portico and elsewhere, and that a tarp covering the work area would be removed once the removal was complete.
The court had set a noon deadline for the removal, after rejecting the center's request for a stay pending appeal. Two separate judges denied the venue's bid to retain the name while legal challenges proceeded.
Rep. Joyce Beatty, a board member who sued to have the name removed, said the decision “returns the Kennedy Center to the American people” and praised the “rule of law.”
The removal concludes a chapter that began when the Trump administration replaced the center’s leadership and added the former president’s name to the facility in early 2025. The same court ruling also blocked a planned two-year renovation shutdown that was scheduled to start next month.
The Kennedy Center’s upcoming schedule includes productions of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “Bluey’s Big Play,” and a ceremony honoring comedian Bill Maher on June 28. The institution faces ongoing questions about staffing levels and future programming, while former President Trump has suggested the venue could be transferred to congressional oversight or closed for safety reasons.
