Court Orders Trump’s Name Removed from Kennedy Center

Workers began removing Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., following a ruling by a federal appeals court. The court denied a last-minute appeal to keep Trump’s name on the building. The name was added after a unanimous board vote in December.

On Sunday, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana commented that living public officials should not have buildings named in their honor. He suggested a rule to prevent such renaming efforts. Meanwhile, President Trump has been advocating for the Kennedy Center and other federal buildings in Washington, D.C., to bear his name.

Sen. Kennedy stated, “Public officials, including Trump, shouldn’t spend public money on what serves as private advertisements.” He voiced these views during an appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” Kennedy continued to criticize the use of public funds for promoting individual officials, opposing the naming of buildings after sitting public figures.

“I believe no politician should have a building named after them while they are alive,” Kennedy asserted, referencing Trump’s previous mockery of political opponents through AI-generated videos.

The recent court order came after the Kennedy Center board’s appeal to block the ruling was denied. Trump’s name was temporarily placed on the building’s facade, but courts determined that only Congress has the authority to change its name.

Further, Trump’s naming attempts have extended beyond the Kennedy Center. His name was briefly added to the U.S. Institute of Peace, but this was contested by former officials. Earlier this year, Trump proposed naming New York’s Penn Station and D.C.’s Dulles Airport after him during funding negotiations. He also mentioned plans for a promenade near the Lincoln Memorial, which some suggested calling the “Trump Promenade.”