Court orders removal of president's name from Kennedy Center signage
A federal judge directed the removal of the president's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts signage, website and documents. The ruling also blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations.
The GuardianA federal judge ordered the removal of the president's name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts signage, website and officials' signatures by midnight on 12 June. The court also blocked the administration from closing the venue for renovations. The center had been temporarily renamed in December after the president replaced the chief executive and board members.
Background to the dispute The board had announced a two-year closure beginning 5 July 2026. An Ohio representative filed suit, arguing that only Congress holds authority to rename the institution. The judge ruled that renovations could proceed without closing the facility. Workers covered scaffolding with a tarp while removing bronze letters from the facade.
Current status The words on the facade are reported to have been removed, though the tarp remains in place. It is unclear when the covering will be taken down. The Department of Justice filed a certification that the court order would be followed after an appeal was denied.
