Kennedy Center facade remains covered after Trump name removal order

A federal judge is demanding answers regarding the continued presence of a tarp and scaffolding on the Kennedy Center's facade in Washington. This comes after the judge ordered the removal of Donald Trump's name from the prestigious performing arts venue.

The judge, Christopher Cooper, had previously mandated the removal of any references to Trump, or any individual other than President John F. Kennedy, from the building, website, and trademarks within two weeks. The Trump administration stated in court documents that the name had been entirely removed from the facade following the judge's order.

However, a tarp now covers the inscription of President Kennedy's name, and scaffolding remains in place. Judge Cooper has given the Kennedy Center's board until the end of July to provide explanations for the continued presence of the tarp and scaffolding, unless they are removed by that date. He also temporarily suspended a two-year closure of the venue, finding the board had not adequately considered the negative repercussions of such a move.

Donald Trump had previously reacted to the situation by stating he would "work with Congress to transfer" control of the Kennedy Center. The Republican president had his name added to the institution's board and affixed his name alongside that of his predecessor, John F. Kennedy, renaming it the "Trump Kennedy Center" in December. This name change had drawn criticism from President Kennedy's family and the Democratic opposition, who questioned its legality.