Kennedy Center board votes to restore Trump name via inscription

The Kennedy Center's board of trustees, reportedly comprising allies of former President Donald Trump, has taken steps to reassert his name on the arts complex. Following a federal judge's May order to remove Trump's name from the facade, the board allegedly voted to approve an inscription reading "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump." This text would reportedly be placed directly beneath the main signage.

It remains unclear how this decision aligns with the federal judge's order, as only Congress has the authority to alter the center's official naming. In mid-June, the center's Executive Director Matt Floca stated that all physical signage bearing Trump's name had been removed. However, a tarp has remained over the facade since that time, fueling speculation about the extent of the changes.

In addition to the naming controversy, the board also reportedly voted to close the Kennedy Center's main building for a two-year renovation period. This plan, aimed at upgrading heating, cooling, electrical, and fire safety systems by summer 2028, had also faced judicial opposition. The judge, however, indicated it could be reconsidered after further review.

This move by the Kennedy Center board comes as former President Trump has actively sought to imprint his personal brand on various institutions since returning to the White House in January 2025. Previously, the board had voted in December to rename the venue "The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." This decision led to show cancellations and a significant drop in ticket sales.