Trump name removed from Washington's Kennedy Center facade

Workers began dismantling the gold‑lettered name of U.S. President Donald Trump from the façade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington after a federal judge rejected a request to halt the removal. The order, issued by Judge Christopher Cooper on May 29, ruled that only Congress has authority to rename the cultural institution, rendering the 2025 decision by the center’s board to add Trump’s name unlawful.

Scaffolding was erected in early June 2026 and the name was taken down around 3:30 a.m. local time. A brief pause was requested by the Justice Department due to severe weather, extending the work by about 12 hours, but the removal was completed by early morning on June 13. The White House spokesperson said President Trump would work with Congress to “hand over control” of the center. The removal also involved deleting references to Trump from the center’s website and signage.

The case highlights a legal clash over the politicisation of a national cultural venue and underscores the limits of executive influence over federally funded institutions.