Kennedy Center Removes Trump’s Name After Court Order, June 15

A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove President Trump’s name from its building after ruling the board lacked authority to rename the federally chartered institution. The center complied Saturday, but tarps now cover the facade, preventing the public from seeing the restoration of the original “John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” signage. The board voted to create a Trump Kennedy Center Fund instead.

Judge Rules Congress Alone Can Rename the Center

US District Judge Christopher Cooper issued a 94-page opinion on May 29 finding that the Kennedy Center board acted unlawfully when it renamed the building after Trump in December 2025. Cooper wrote that Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it. The judge gave the center 14 days to remove Trump’s name from the building, website, and branding. The center also had to withdraw pending trademark applications and file proof of compliance.

Removal Completed as Deadline Neared

The Kennedy Center removed all physical signage bearing Trump’s name from the facade Saturday afternoon, according to court filings by executive director Matt Floca. Two courts rejected the center’s last-minute requests to delay compliance. The center asked for an extension Friday night due to severe thunderstorms but proceeded after the court granted a brief delay to noon Saturday.

Tarps Block Public View of the Change

Large striped tarps now cover the Kennedy Center’s exterior facade, preventing visitors from seeing whether Trump’s name has been fully removed. A reporter peering through an opening in the tarp confirmed the letters were gone, but the center has not announced when the tarps will come down. The covering has frustrated some visitors who traveled to witness the symbolic moment.

Board Creates New Fund to Honor Trump

The Kennedy Center board voted unanimously Thursday to establish the Trump Kennedy Center Fund, a new endowment intended to recognize Trump’s contributions to the center. The fund will support existing private endowments and the center’s $257 million in federal funding. Board members also voted to file an emergency appeal of the court ruling. The center said it remains fully compliant with the judge’s order while evaluating legal options.

Final Thoughts

The Kennedy Center removed Trump’s name to comply with a federal court order, but the board is pursuing legal appeals and created a new fund bearing his name. The ruling affirms that Congress alone controls the naming of federally chartered institutions.

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