Legal Battle Over Trump’s Name on Kennedy Center Facade

Workers constructed scaffolding under the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts sign on Friday in Washington. This followed legal actions concerning President Donald Trump’s name on the venue’s facade.

A judge denied a request to delay a court-ordered deadline to remove Trump’s references from the center. An appeal was filed but was rejected, leaving the center to comply with the decision.

Earlier in the day, scaffolding surrounded the section of the building containing Trump’s name. Yet, by 7 p.m. Eastern Time, no action had been taken to remove it. Meanwhile, storms with lightning complicated the situation for workers involved.

Trump influenced the Kennedy Center significantly after largely ignoring it in his first term. Upon beginning his second term, he replaced the previous leadership with a new board of trustees that appointed him chairman, leading to the addition of his name to the building.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s ruling stated that only Congress could change the name of the Kennedy Center. He also blocked plans for major renovations intended to start in July and continue for two years. The center’s leadership claimed that the renovations addressed critical issues, citing structural dangers such as rusted beams and parking garage ceilings that pose risks to people below.

Despite its objections, the Kennedy Center is complying with Cooper’s ruling. A memo sent to staff on June 4 instructed the use of “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center” in all official documents. The center’s website no longer included Trump’s name, and communications for events such as the Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony were adjusted accordingly.