Kennedy Center strips Trump’s name as tarp hides former signage

A federal appeals court ordered the removal of President Donald Trump’s name from the façade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Work crews took down the lettering in mid‑June 2026, but a large tarp and scaffolding remain in place, covering the area where the name had been displayed. Center officials say the coverings stay up for marble‑facade maintenance, but no timeline has been provided for their removal.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper also blocked a planned two‑year shutdown of the venue, requiring the Center to maintain public access while renovation options are considered. In a recent filing, Kennedy Center lawyers outlined three possible paths: a full closure, limited programming in unaffected areas, or phased closures that would keep a full slate of events. The Board, composed largely of Trump‑aligned trustees, must vote on these options in mid‑July. Democratic board member Rep. Joyce Beatty continues to press the Center over the tarp, arguing it obscures compliance with the court’s order.

The dispute has drawn criticism from several members of Congress, who describe the tarp as a “literal cover‑up” and accuse the Center of trying to hide the outcome of the court ruling.