The Kennedy Center’s executive director confirmed that the letters spelling out U.S. President Donald Trump’s name on the building’s facade have been removed, as mandated by a court order. Workers were seen covering the scaffolding, making it difficult to confirm if the only words left are “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
Matt Floca, the center’s chief operating officer, certified to the court that all physical signage purporting to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump has been taken down by the board of trustees and the center. This action followed a day of legal proceedings and storms, with workers eventually starting the removal process after delays.
Despite being past the court-ordered deadline, workers proceeded under the tarp, disappointing onlookers waiting to witness the symbolic moment of Trump’s name removal. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who sued for the name’s removal, was observed on the plaza during the event.
A judge denied a request to halt the deadline extension, leading to the institution’s unsuccessful appeal against the ruling. Trump, after exerting influence upon his return to office, saw his name added to the building by the newly appointed board of trustees. The court ruled that only Congress could authorize changing the Kennedy Center’s name and prevented the closure for renovations planned by the administration.
While the Kennedy Center resisted removing Trump’s name, it complied with initial court orders by altering its communication materials and website. Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape Washington, including renovation projects and events like a UFC match on the White House lawn, continue amid the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center.