Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center after court order

The Kennedy Center has confirmed the complete removal of Donald Trump's name from its building's facade, a process that concluded in the early hours of Saturday, June 13, 2026. This action followed a federal court order mandating the restoration of the performing arts center's original designation.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the addition of Trump's name in December 2025 by his appointed board of trustees was unlawful, emphasizing that only Congress holds the authority to alter the name of the institution, which was established as a living memorial to John F. Kennedy. The court's decision was a response to a lawsuit filed by Representative Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio).

Workers commenced removing the letters after the center missed a Friday deadline, with the task being temporarily delayed due to weather conditions before an extension was granted. The building's exterior now officially reverts to "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts."