Kennedy Center strips Donald Trump's name after court order

A U.S. district judge ruled that only Congress can change the name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ordering the removal of Donald Trump’s name by June 12. Workers dismantled the signage in the early hours of Saturday, completing the removal despite a brief extension granted due to thunderstorms. A large plastic tarp was erected over the scaffolding, obscuring the letters from onlookers and sparking online criticism.

The same ruling also blocked the board‑approved plan to close the Center for a two‑year renovation. Trump denounced the decision on Truth Social, calling the judge “ashamed.” The removal was carried out just before Trump’s 80th birthday celebrations, which included a high‑profile UFC event at the White House. Judge Christopher Cooper emphasized, “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it.”

The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with many viewers describing the tarp cover‑up as a “fragile ego on full display.”