The Kennedy Center says it complied with a federal court order to remove Donald Trump’s name from the building by noon Saturday, June 13, after leadership lost attempts to pause the deadline. For now, workers’ scaffolding remains covered by a tarp, leaving the
The tarp is still up over the Kennedy Center’s scaffolding, but the message underneath has already changed.
On Saturday, June 13, Matt Floca told a federal court that the institution had complied with an order to remove Donald Trump’s name from the building. Floca is the executive director and chief operating officer of the performing arts venue.
In a filing, Floca said the board of trustees and the Kennedy Center removed “all physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds, including the front portico, that purports to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump.”
Over the past day. it was virtually impossible to confirm how much had been revealed. since a tarp hung over the worksite where workers performed the removal. It was unclear when the tarp might come down to show the update more clearly. The lettering on the building, which had been there for decades, originally said: “The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”.
A reporter was able to confirm that letters for Trump’s name were no longer affixed to the building after peering through a slight opening in the tarp.
The Kennedy Center’s leadership had pushed back hard against the removal order. By the end of the legal fight, it had argued for keeping Trump’s name on the building pending an appeal, but two courts rejected the institution’s last-minute request to retain the name.
After severe thunderstorms hit Washington on Friday evening, the Kennedy Center sought one more extension. In its unsuccessful appeal on Friday, center leadership said the lower court was interfering with renovations it described as necessary to address potentially dangerous conditions.
“The District Court is not allowing us to close in order to properly fix up and repair the Building. including potentially life-threatening structural damage like beams and parking garage ceilings that are rusted. and in serious danger of falling onto people below. ” the appeal said. “Indeed, total collapse!”.
Still, the Kennedy Center complied with the removal deadline, which was set for noon Saturday, June 13.
With the name reverted, questions remain about what comes next for the venue. The same May court decision that ordered Trump’s name removed also blocked a planned two-year closure for renovations, which were set to begin next month.
The institution also suggested Trump’s name could be reinstated if it later wins its appeal. The Kennedy Center argued that if the court denied a pause, it would “be forced to squander time and money — by both removing the signage and then potentially returning it after appeal.”
The sequence underscores how quickly political power can collide with cultural space: the building’s original dedication dates back to 1964. meant to honor Democrat John F. Kennedy. and for years it has been viewed as one of Washington’s relatively nonpartisan venues—until Donald Trump’s influence reshaped its leadership and branding during his second term.
Construction of the Kennedy Center began in 1964. and it was dedicated to the memory of the slain president. Democrat John F. Kennedy. Trump rarely discussed the Kennedy Center during his 2024 campaign. But after he returned to office in January 2025. he moved quickly to oust the institution’s leadership. replacing it with a board of trustees that named him chairman. After that shift, Trump’s name was added to the building.
The removal is a setback for him. but it comes as Trump continues plans to reshape parts of Washington’s physical landscape in ways not seen before. The South Lawn of the White House has been transformed into a venue for a UFC match intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. and it also coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday on Sunday.
Trump has also been linked to demolition of the East Wing of the White House. with a controversial ballroom planned to replace it. and the remodeling of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. He is also moving forward with extensive renovations of a golf course in East Potomac Park. moves that could reduce public access to running and biking paths. Across the Potomac River in Virginia, he is also moving forward with a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery.
Associated Press journalists Steven Sloan and Emily Wang contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
Kennedy Center Matt Floca Donald Trump Trump name removal federal court order performing arts venue Washington DC scaffolding tarp signage removal renovations blocked