Trump's Name Removed from Washington Kennedy Center After Court Order

A federal judge ordered the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., to remove all physical references to former President Donald Trump within 14 days. The ruling, issued in late May, affirmed that only Congress can rename the historic venue. On Saturday, workers began dismantling the signage, covering the name with scaffolding and a white tarp while dozens of onlookers photographed the process. The removal followed a deadline that had lapsed after a brief delay caused by storms. The judge also temporarily blocked the administration’s request to close the center for two‑year renovations.

The decision draws significant public attention, with thousands watching the live stream of the demolition and many gathering in the plaza to demand the name’s removal. The center, home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera, had been renamed for Trump after his supporters took control of its board in 2022, a change the court deemed unlawful.