Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center

Workers have removed Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in a predawn operation, less than six months after it was installed. The removal complies with a judge's ruling that the performing arts landmark cannot be renamed without congressional approval.

The operation began around 1:20 a.m. local time on Saturday, after the Department of Justice indicated the government would miss a court-ordered deadline to remove the name. The department had sought a 12-hour extension, citing thunderstorms that could pose safety risks.

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inexcusable

US Representative Joyce Beatty, who initiated the lawsuit, criticized the request for an extension as "inexcusable" and part of a "pattern of non-compliance." The Kennedy Center, originally opened in 1971 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, had its board, chaired by Trump, vote in December to rename it The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.

US District Judge Christopher Cooper declined the Justice Department's request to pause the order while a federal appeals court considers his ruling. He stated that only Congress has the authority to rename the venue. Protesters gathered outside the building as the name removal commenced.

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It does not make sense to alter the centre's name and signage now, only to potentially revert the name again after what should be a successful appeal.