NewsNBC Miami PoliticsJune 12, 2026Miami-Dade
Donald Trump's Name Removed from Kennedy Center Facade
Following a federal court order, the Kennedy Center has removed Donald Trump's name from its building exterior and website. The removal concludes a legal dispute over whether the board of trustees had the authority to rename the federally-designated memorial without congressional approval.
Read the full story at NBC Miami PoliticsWhy It Matters
The removal restores the official name of the Kennedy Center to its 1964 congressional designation, reversing a 2025 board decision that had added the former president's name to the facility.
Key Facts
- The Kennedy Center has removed all references to Donald Trump from its website and building exterior.
- U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 that the board of trustees acted illegally by adding Trump's name without congressional approval.
- The building was officially named for John F. Kennedy by Congress in 1964.
- The name 'The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' was added on December 19 without a vote from Congress.
- A federal judge denied the board's request to pause the removal order on Friday.
- The Kennedy Center board filed a notice of appeal on Thursday.
- Removal work was delayed by thunderstorms in the Washington area, requiring a deadline extension until noon on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
- The Kennedy Center's general counsel issued instructions to staff last week to cooperate with the removal process.
Who's Mentioned
personBela Fleck“Performer who cancelled appearances.”personIssa Rae“Performer who cancelled appearances.”personJohn F. Kennedy“The namesake of the performing arts center.”personTara Hoot“Drag queen and former Kennedy Center resident performer.”organizationKennedy Center“The performing arts center subject to the naming dispute.”personRenée Fleming“Performer who cancelled appearances.”personChristopher Cooper“U.S. District Judge who ruled the name addition was illegal.”organizationDOGE“Department of Government Efficiency, referenced regarding recent federal layoffs”personDonald Trump“Former US President whose name was added to and subsequently removed from the Ke”