Workers Begin Removing Trump’s Name from Kennedy Center Facade
7 verified5 unconfirmed1 contested
Workers started removing President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center building early Saturday morning, hours after a court-ordered deadline. Scaffolding was erected Friday around the section bearing Trump's name, and crews used heavy white tarps to obscure the removal process. Crowds gathered Friday on the plaza in front of the venue, taking pictures and occasionally breaking into chants of "take it down." The removal followed a May 29 ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who found that the renaming violated a 1964 federal law establishing the building's name as "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" and prohibiting the addition of any other name. The judge also blocked the Kennedy Center's planned two-year closure for renovations starting July 4, 2026. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who sued to force the removal, was present on the plaza. The Kennedy Center had already removed Trump's name from its website and other materials.
What’s verified
Workers began removing Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center facade early Saturday morning, June 13, 2026.
The removal followed a court order from U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who ruled the renaming violated a 1964 federal law.
The judge also blocked the center's planned two-year closure for renovations starting July 4, 2026.
Crowds gathered Friday on the plaza chanting "take it down."
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) sued to have Trump's name removed and was present at the site.
The Kennedy Center requested an extension to the Friday deadline due to storms in the Washington area.
The center had already removed Trump's name from its website, social media, and other materials.
Where accounts differ
The exact time workers completed the removal and left the site differs between sources. One report states workers departed around 3:30 a.m., while another says they left about an hour after starting around 3 a.m. Additionally, one source reports that it was impossible to determine if all letters had been removed because tarps remained, while the other source implies letters were pulled off.
Not yet confirmed
Details of a statement released by Rep. Joyce Beatty calling the removal a victory and saying, "The rule of law prevailed."
Trump's comments criticizing the judge and proposing to transfer the Kennedy Center to Congress.
The Kennedy Center's appeal language describing potential structural dangers as "life threatening" and "total collapse."
The exact actions taken in Trump's second term, including ousting previous leadership and becoming chairman.
Specific internal memos and emails from the Kennedy Center regarding name changes.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio)
