Workers have started removing Donald Trump's name from John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington,D.C.,after federal judge's order. The removal comes day after court's deadline,which said name must be down by Friday,June 12.
Onlookers watched as crews set up scaffolding Friday evening,though thunderstorms delayed work until early Saturday. By early Saturday,workers hung long plastic sheeting over structure,covering Trump's name. Some spectators chanted,"take it down," showing tensions around this removal.
Legal battle began when U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in late May that renaming cultural institution needs congressional approval. This decision came amid broader disputes about center's identity as memorial to President Kennedy. Judge also stopped center's temporary closure during planned renovations,which was proposed for near future.
Trump administration's attempts to pause removal order were quickly rejected by judge. Administration argued name change could cause confusion if decision later overturned. Appeals court refused to step in,so removal moved forward while more arguments are considered.
Trump's name added to Kennedy Center last year during rebranding measures across capital. In February 2025,he replaced several trustees on center's board,appointing himself as trustee,later voted in as arts center's chairman . Now,that controversial addition ruled unlawful,leading to current removal efforts…
