Workers begin removing Trump's name from Kennedy Center facade after court denies delay
Early Saturday, workers in Washington, D.C. began taking down the gold letters spelling out President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center facade, hours after a federal judge refused to postpone the court-ordered removal.
Court ruling mandates removal
On May 29, federal judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the December 2025 name change of the Kennedy Center, which added "Donald J. Trump" to the official title and placed gold letters on the building, was illegal. The judge stated that only the U.S. Congress has the authority to rename the institution. He ordered all references to President Trump and anyone other than President Kennedy removed from the building and website within two weeks.
The need appears urgent.
Board appeals, judge denies delay
The Trump-appointed board of the Kennedy Center filed a motion on Thursday, June 11, to postpone the court order. Judge Cooper rejected that request on Friday, June 12. The Kennedy Center had already removed Trump's name from its website earlier that week but had not yet touched the physical letters. A Reuters report cited by Polish outlets noted that the administration attributed the delay to poor weather conditions threatening worker safety, and completion was expected Saturday.
When the board changed the name in December 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move, calling it an honor for the president's efforts.
The center was named after Trump for the incredible work the president has done in the last year to save this building.
Physical removal begins early Saturday
Around 3:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, June 13, workers erected scaffolding over the section of the facade bearing the gold-lettered name and began dismantling it. By the time crews left, they had covered the area with a tarp, leaving it unclear whether all the letters had been removed, the Associated Press reported.
- Trump-appointed board changes name, adds gold letters with Trump's name to facade.
- Judge Christopher Cooper orders removal of Trump references within two weeks, citing only Congress can rename the center.
- Federal judge denies board's motion to postpone the removal order.
- Workers begin dismantling Trump's name from the Kennedy Center facade.
Related renovation dispute
In a separate but linked decision, Judge Cooper granted a request by Democratic congresswoman and board member Joyce Beatty to temporarily block the board's plan to close the performance hall for two years for renovations. The judge permitted ongoing urgent repair work.
Trump vows to seek congressional action
President Trump responded to the ruling by stating he will work with Congress to gain control of the Kennedy Center. The board also filed an appeal on Thursday of the removal order and the decision blocking the two-year closure.
I will work with Congress to transfer control of the Kennedy Center to me.
