Workers remove Trump’s name from Kennedy Center after court ruling | Donald Trump News
Judge Rules Against Trump-Backed Name Change at Kennedy Center
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published: June 13, 2026
Workers have begun the removal of former President Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., following a federal court ruling. Scaffolding was erected in front of the iconic venue on Saturday, obscured by a white awning as the removal process took place.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper denied a last-minute appeal from the center’s board, which included members aligned with Trump, seeking to prevent the previous ruling that mandated the name’s removal. Cooper ruled on May 29 that the name change, made by the board without congressional approval, was unlawful. He emphasized that the U.S. Congress holds the exclusive authority to enact such legislation and established a 14-day deadline for the name removal.
In his ruling, Cooper stated that the public interest is not served by the “perpetuation” of “unlawful” governmental actions.
The decision to rename the center took place in December, shortly after Trump took office, when the board voted to add his name to the building’s facade. The change sparked backlash, causing several artists to cancel planned performances at the venue.
Trump, whose business ventures are marked by a strong emphasis on branding, had previously renamed the now-defunct U.S. Institute of Peace in his honor. His administration is also pushing to feature his image on a $250 bill to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, the U.S. State Department plans to issue special passports with Trump’s image and signature for the occasion.
Trump has faced legal challenges regarding various projects, including a controversial plan to renovate the White House’s east wing for a ballroom, which has been contested by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is currently pending in the federal courts.
Judge Cooper has also temporarily blocked Trump’s initiative to close the Kennedy Center for renovations for a two-year period. In response to that ruling, Trump stated he had “no interest in continuing” his involvement with the institution.
