Trump's Name Removal at Kennedy Center Begins After Court Deadline

On June 13, 2026, workers began removing President Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center following a judge's rejection of a stay on the removal order. The U.S. federal judge ruled that only Congress could alter the name of the venue, denying an appeal from the Kennedy Center and the Justice Department. Scaffolding was erected to facilitate the name removal, which commenced shortly after midnight, and the work was confirmed to be ongoing. The Kennedy Center’s board also argued for essential renovations to address serious structural issues but faced legal roadblocks in proceeding with their plans.