Kennedy Center Ordered to Strip Trump’s Name from Signage by June 12

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts must remove President Donald Trump’s name from all signage, email signatures, letterhead and other materials, stating the board’s December vote to rename the venue violated the 1964 federal law that designates the center for President John F. Kennedy alone. The order requires the changes to be completed by June 12, two days before Trump’s birthday, and also overturns the board’s plan to close the center for two‑year renovations.

Employees have begun updating signage and digital assets in compliance with the court order. Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said the organization is “complying with the court’s order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump’s leadership.” Trump responded on social media, calling the ruling “impossible for me to be treated fairly” and criticizing the judge as “totally conflicted.” The dispute highlights the clash between the Trump‑appointed board’s ambitions and federal statutory requirements governing the historic cultural institution.