Kennedy Center Removes "Trump" Name After Court Order

The iconic Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. has officially removed the "Trump" name from its building, complying with a federal judge's order. The decision followed a contentious period where the center's board, reconstituted by President Trump himself in 2025, voted to rename the institution in his honor.

In February 2025, Trump replaced several members of the Kennedy Center's board and subsequently became its chairman. Shortly thereafter, the board voted to rename the performing arts venue the "President Trump Presidential Center." A new sign bearing his name was installed the following day.

However, this move sparked controversy and legal challenges. In late May 2026, a federal district judge in Washington D.C., Christopher Cooper, ruled that the renaming was illegal and ordered the removal of Trump's name within 14 days. The judge also blocked a large-scale renovation project that was contingent on the renaming.

The Kennedy Center's board sought a stay of the judge's order, but their request was denied by two separate courts. Despite the legal setbacks, court filings suggest that the center's leadership hopes to potentially reinstate the name if a future appeal is successful. They argued that removing and potentially reinstalling the signage would be a wasteful expenditure of time and money.

On Saturday morning, workers were observed removing the "Trump" name from the building's facade, concealed behind scaffolding and large white tarps. While the name has been physically removed, the legal battle over the center's identity and governance may continue.

“

The board and the center have removed all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds, including the signage on the front portico intended to rename the Kennedy Center to President Trump's name.