Trump's name may return to Kennedy Center facade via renovation plaque

Donald Trump's name may soon reappear on the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., despite its previous removal. The center's board, comprised of members appointed by Trump himself, has reportedly voted to reattach his name to the building.

This move follows a court order in June that mandated the removal of Trump's name from the facade. The court had ruled that only Congress, which originally named the center, could alter its designation. The Kennedy Center has appealed this decision, with the main appeal still pending.

According to reports, the board is exploring an indirect approach. Instead of a formal renaming, they may add a plaque to the facade that reads "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump." This plan aims to circumvent the legal restrictions that led to the initial removal. The board's vote occurred despite the ongoing legal challenges.

The center was initially renamed the "Trump Kennedy Center" in December 2025, shortly after Trump took control of the institution and vowed to combat "anti-American propaganda" in the arts. This renaming sparked significant backlash, with many artists canceling scheduled performances. The board's latest decision, if approved by the courts, could reignite this controversy.