Kennedy Center’s Name Change Stirs Controversy

In a move that attracted international attention, workers covered the front of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with large tarps, following a court order to remove President Trump’s name from the building. The operation took place early on June 13.

Matt Floca, the center’s operations chief, confirmed in a sworn declaration to a federal court that Mr. Trump’s name was indeed removed that day. Photographers provided additional evidence, capturing images where letters “A” and “D” were taken down. Despite this, a week later, the tarps remain in place, leading some to speculate about the actual status of the letters on the marble facade.

As of last Friday, there is no confirmation whether the letters have been restored to read “The John F. Kennedy Center Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” The tarps have been tightened, making it impossible to see behind them.

“I don’t know if they took down the sign, because I can’t see it,”

said Luna Woo, a violinist from Portland, Ore., with the National Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute. She and other musicians attempted to glimpse the area from a nearby practice room but were unsuccessful.

The question on everyone’s mind is: when will the tarps come down? Roma Daravi, a Kennedy Center spokeswoman, provided a brief response, explaining:
“The scaffolding and tarp will remain up as crews address maintenance needs of the marble and soffit panels. Best, Public Relations.”

Opinions diverge on this issue. Some of the president’s supporters dismiss it as inconsequential theatrics. Conversely, his critics interpret the tarps as an emblem of Mr. Trump’s delicate pride.