Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center after half a year

The name "The Donald J. Trump And" was physically removed from the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, June 12, following a court order. The action saw workers meticulously detaching the 18 letters from the building's facade, drawing the attention of hundreds of onlookers, some of whom held signs reading "You are not John F. Kennedy."

The controversy began in February of last year when President Trump appointed his own allies to the center's board of directors. In December, the board then voted unanimously to rename the institution "The Trump and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts." This decision immediately ignited strong opposition from the arts community and the public.

In protest, numerous artists and groups canceled performances and appearances. Notable among them were the popular musical "Hamilton," the jazz septet "The Cookers," and the modern dance company "Doug Varone and Dancers." Hollywood actor Tom Cruise also declined an "Award of Excellence" from the Kennedy Center in response to the renaming.

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You are not John F. Kennedy.

The renaming effort was challenged in court by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, a member of the Kennedy Center's board. Beatty argued that the center's name is established by law and requires congressional approval for any changes. A court sided with Beatty's argument, halting the renaming. Although the board attempted a last-minute bid to stay the execution of the court's order, this was also denied.

Following the successful restoration of the original name, Representative Beatty posted a video on social media celebrating the victory, humorously mimicking a "Trump dance" and asking, "Trump, am I doing this dance right?"

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Trump, am I doing this dance right?