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The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts began removing President Donald Trump's name from its building on Friday, June 12, just hours before a court-ordered deadline. Despite the efforts, the president's name remained visible on the facade after midnight as crews worked to comply with the ruling.
Live footage aired by C-SPAN showed construction workers assembling scaffolding outside the venue to access the signage bearing Trump's name. Spectators gathered near the site and cheered as the crews prepared for the removal. As the clock approached midnight, those in attendance counted down to the deadline, although the name had not yet been taken down.
According to reports, severe thunderstorms earlier in the day delayed the process. Shortly before midnight, Kennedy Center officials sought a 12-hour extension from the court to complete the work. Executive Director Matt Floca stated in a legal filing that the weather had significantly disrupted preparations and prevented crews from meeting the original timetable.
Earlier on Friday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an emergency request from the Kennedy Center seeking to pause a lower court's decision requiring the removal of Trump's name from the building, official materials and digital platforms. The center still has the option of appealing to the Supreme Court.
The organization had already begun implementing parts of the ruling. Trump's name was removed from the Kennedy Center's website earlier in the week, while staff members were reportedly instructed to eliminate references to him from social media accounts and promotional materials.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in late May that adding Trump's name to the institution had not been carried out lawfully.
Following that decision, Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi defended the move and expressed confidence that higher courts would ultimately support the board's decision to recognize Trump's contributions to the cultural institution.
The legal dispute comes amid Trump's broader efforts to reshape Washington's landmarks and institutions. The president has pursued several high-profile projects and initiatives in the capital while also expanding his influence over the Kennedy Center, including serving as chair of its board of trustees and appointing allies to leadership positions.
Established through bipartisan legislation signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, the center was renamed in honor of President John F. Kennedy following his assassination. Congress approved the change, and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law in 1964.
