In Washington on Saturday, June 13, 2026, workers took down President Donald Trump’s name from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This action followed a court order that required the removal and came less than six months after the name was added to the venue. The court’s decision stated that renaming the Center needed Congressional approval.
Charles Matthew Floca, the Kennedy Center’s Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, confirmed the name’s removal despite delays due to weather. Online references to Trump at the Center were also removed.
A month into his second term, Trump had replaced the Kennedy Center’s president and board members, leading to the addition of his name to the building, creating “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The administration argued that the name attracted donors and supported fundraising for renovations. However, an appeals court denied their request to delay the name’s removal.
Workers assembled scaffolding around where the name was placed and covered it with tarpaulin before removing the letters. Although Friday night thunderstorms were predicted, they forged ahead with the operation. The effort drew a crowd, including opponents who criticized the use of tarpaulin.
Krystal Brewer, a social justice advocate, expressed that removing Trump’s name was about upholding accountability and checks and balances. She emphasized that one cannot defy court orders simply because of power.
Among the attendees was Rep. Joyce Beatty, who initiated the lawsuit. She demanded adherence to the law, saying, “No more stalling.” Another observer, Mary Foltz, remarked on the lack of transparency in the administration, referring to the tarpaulin covering as symbolic.
Trump’s recent actions, such as demolishing the East Wing of the White House for a ballroom, have stirred controversy. To some attendees, the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center represented reclaiming a part of their city.