Workers in Washington have removed President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts following a federal court ruling that declared the venue’s renaming unlawful.
The Kennedy Center confirmed in a legal filing that all physical signage bearing Trump’s name had been taken down from the building and surrounding grounds, following a court order issued by US District Judge Christopher Cooper.
By Saturday, the main facade remained partially covered as work continued, with a white tarp concealing the area where the lettering had been removed. Loud construction noise was heard from the site as onlookers gathered outside the landmark building.
The removal follows Cooper’s ruling that the renaming of the iconic arts institution was illegal and that only Congress has the authority to change its name. He ordered that Trump’s name be removed within 14 days.
The judge later rejected a last-minute request to delay enforcement of his ruling, stating that the public interest “is rarely served by the perpetuation of unlawful governmental action.”
The court also previously blocked an attempt by the administration to proceed with plans for extended renovations at the centre.
Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca said the removal process was delayed briefly due to thunderstorms that raised safety concerns for workers, but was expected to be completed overnight.
The dispute follows months of controversy after the centre’s board—reconstituted under Trump’s administration—voted in December to rename the venue the “Trump Kennedy Center,” with his name placed in large capital letters above that of John F. Kennedy.
The move sparked criticism within the arts community, with several performers cancelling scheduled appearances in protest.
The Kennedy Center has since removed Trump’s name from its official website.
The case forms part of a broader series of symbolic renaming efforts associated with Trump since returning to office, including changes at other federal institutions.
AFP
