President Donald Trump’s name has been removed from the front of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, according to a court filing submitted Saturday, marking compliance with a federal judge’s order after courts rejected efforts to delay the change.
Attorneys for the administration said the government has removed signage “that purports to name the Kennedy Center after President Trump,” updated the center’s website, and withdrawn trademark applications connected to the naming. The filing followed a court-imposed deadline that remained in effect after multiple legal challenges failed.
Compliance With Court Order
Matt Floca, the president and executive director of the Kennedy Center, confirmed in a separate court filing that Trump’s name has been removed from all physical signage, the center’s website, and internal and external documents. That includes employee email signatures, letterhead, and brochures. The filings were submitted around 11 a.m. EDT.
Photographs from the site show scaffolding and a tarp covering the area where Trump’s name had previously appeared. It remains unclear how long the covering will stay in place.
Legal Background
U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled last month that the addition of Trump’s name to the Kennedy Center was unlawful and ordered it removed by the end of the day Friday, June 12. Cooper also blocked plans by the administration and the center’s board to close the facility for nearly two years for renovations.
On Friday, Cooper denied the administration’s request to stay his order pending appeal. After midnight, the Kennedy Center sought a brief extension, citing weather-related delays. The court granted an extension until noon Saturday.
The Justice Department also asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to pause Cooper’s ruling. A three-judge panel declined to issue an immediate stay, instead directing the parties to submit briefs later this month. The panel included two judges appointed by President Barack Obama and one appointed by Trump.
Arguments From Both Sides
In its emergency motion, the administration argued that removing the name now could cause confusion if the decision is later reversed on appeal. Government lawyers also claimed some donors contributed to the center because Trump’s name was associated with the building and suggested fundraising could be affected.
Attorneys for Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who filed the lawsuit challenging the name change, urged the appeals court to reject the administration’s request. They argued the administration delayed seeking relief and described the motion as a last-minute attempt to avoid complying with the court’s order.
Judge Cooper previously ruled that only Congress has the authority to change the name of the Kennedy Center, which was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Broader Context
The Kennedy Center’s board, which includes several Trump-aligned trustees, voted in December to add Trump’s name to the institution. Beatty, a member of the board, challenged the move shortly afterward.
Since returning to office, Trump has taken steps to reshape the Kennedy Center’s leadership, removing Democratic-appointed board members and appointing allies and administration officials. The administration has also sought changes to programming and operations at the center.
For now, the facility has reverted to its original name as legal proceedings continue.
FAQs
Why was Trump’s name removed?
A federal judge ruled it was added illegally.
When was the name removed?
It was taken down Saturday after a court deadline.
Who ordered the removal?
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper.
Is the ruling being appealed?
Yes, the Trump administration has appealed.
Can the name be restored later?
It could be restored if courts reverse the ruling.
