Kennedy Center Removes Trump References After Court Ruling

The Kennedy Center is in the process of eliminating references to former President Donald Trump. This follows a federal judge’s decision that his name was illegally affixed to the performing arts venue.

Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, stated that they are abiding by the court’s order and assessing legal strategies to maintain the center’s renovation while acknowledging Trump’s leadership. This was reported by The Associated Press.

A memo from the Kennedy Center’s Office of General Counsel instructed staff to update all email signatures, letterhead, and official documents to use “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or “Kennedy Center.” The deadline for these changes is June 12.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 against planned major renovations. This decision also blocked the administration’s plans to close the venue for these purposes starting in July. After the ruling, Trump announced he would step back from the renovation plans and allow Congress to control the center, which was previously known as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Reacting on social media, Trump criticized the decision, labeling Judge Cooper as unfriendly to him. He speculated that the center, which he wished to close for renovations, might remain closed indefinitely. Trump linked this ruling to other legal defeats, such as the Supreme Court’s denial of his extensive tariffs.

This removal is a blow to Trump’s ambitions to modify many of Washington’s landmarks during his second term. Recently, his administration completed renovations on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The bottom was painted a color Trump named “American flag blue.” Additionally, the White House East Wing was demolished for a new ballroom. Trump also plans to construct an arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

The article featured contributions from Associated Press writer Hillel Italie in New York, with reporting input from Kinnard in Columbia, S.C.