Removal of Trump's Name from Kennedy Center
US President Donald Trump's name has been removed from the front of the Kennedy Center in Washington, following a federal judge's order to take it down.
The performing arts venue stated in a court filing that it has fully complied with the ruling, and Trump's name no longer appears on the building, its website, or any related materials.
A federal judge determined last month that the president's name had been added to the venue unlawfully, issuing a directive for its removal by Friday, 12 June.
On Friday evening, crews began erecting scaffolding as onlookers gathered to observe the process, though thunderstorms delayed the work until early Saturday morning.
A last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to pause the removal order was denied by the judge.
Legal Background and Court Rulings
The case is part of a broader legal dispute concerning the renaming of the cultural institution, which US law designates as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
In the early hours of Saturday, workers hung long plastic sheeting from the structure to obscure the removal of the letters.
According to US media, some onlookers chanted
"take it down"during the process.
US District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in late May that the venue, located in central Washington DC, cannot be renamed without congressional approval.
He also blocked the center's temporary closure during proposed upcoming renovations.
An appeals court declined to intervene immediately, allowing the removal to proceed while further arguments are considered.
Administration's Position and Actions
The Trump administration argued that changing the center's name could cause confusion if the decision were later overturned.
Last year, President Trump announced the addition of his name to the institution as part of several rebranding measures across the nation's capital.
In February 2025, he replaced several trustees on the center's board and appointed himself as a trustee before being voted in as the arts center's chairman.
