Washington – The name of US President Donald Trump has been taken down from the front of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, after a judge ordered its removal.
Compliance with Court Ruling
The performing arts venue confirmed in a court filing that it had fully complied with the ruling, stating that Trump’s name no longer appeared on its building, website, or other materials.
Legal Background
A federal judge ruled last month that the addition of the president’s name to the venue was unlawful and ordered its removal by Friday, June 12. Crews erected scaffolding on Friday as onlookers gathered, although thunderstorms delayed the work until early Saturday. A last-minute attempt by the Trump administration to pause the order was rejected by the judge.
Broader Dispute
The case stems from a broader legal dispute over the renaming of the cultural institution, which US law designates as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
Public Reaction
A group called Hands Off the Arts, which says it seeks to keep art free from government control, held a small rally outside the Kennedy Center on Friday. Attendees cheered for the workers putting up scaffolding around the building’s signage, chanting “take it down!” as one of the group’s leaders spoke into a megaphone. When another organizer announced that an appeals court had denied the Trump administration’s second attempt to block the judge’s order, the crowd erupted in celebratory cheers.
Removal Process
In the early hours of Saturday, workers hung long plastic sheeting from the structure, obscuring the removal of the letters. As of Saturday afternoon, the sheeting was still blocking the view of the Kennedy Center sign.
Judge’s Ruling
US District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in late May that the venue in central Washington DC cannot be renamed without congressional approval. He also blocked the center’s temporary closure during upcoming proposed renovations.
