Kennedy Center memo directs staffers to remove Trump’s name from the arts center
Staff must immediately restore the original name as the center weighs whether to stay open for a $257 million renovation, officials said.
- Following a federal court order, the Kennedy Center is instructing staff to immediately revert its name to 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.' Lawyers issued a memo Thursday outlining required changes to signage and official materials.
- U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled last week that the board overstepped its authority by renaming the venue in December. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty filed the lawsuit challenging the unauthorized change.
- The court's injunction also halted plans to close the center for two years of renovations beginning in July. Officials are still 'considering their options' regarding the $257 million project pending further guidance.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declined to confirm whether the administration will appeal, calling the dispute 'controversy on both sides.' President Donald Trump stated he plans to work with Congress to transfer the 'failing Institution' back to them.
- Physical and digital signage must be switched back by Friday, June 12, 2026, according to the memo. Although the board previously honored Trump for 'unbelievable work' in saving the building, the center must now comply with the legal mandate.
54 Articles
54 Articles
Change the Name Back, Kennedy Center Tells Staff
Employees at the capital's national performing arts landmark have been told to erase Donald Trump's name from the building it briefly shared with John F. Kennedy's, the Washington Post reports. In an internal memo sent Thursday, the Kennedy Center's general counsel informed employees they must remove all references to Trump—...
Trump Is Being Erased As The Kennedy Center Begins To Remove His Name
Trump better get used to this. The process of Donald Trump’s efforts to rewrite and add himself to history took its first step when the Kennedy Center began removing Trump’s name and references to the current president from the living monument to former President John F. Kennedy.PoliticusUSA’s news and opinions are 100% independent. Support our work by becoming a subscriber.Subscribe nowFor those who don’t remember how we got here. Shortly after…
Trump's name must be removed from Kennedy Center by June 12, memo to staff says
President Donald Trump’s name must come off the Kennedy Center by June 12, according to a memo issued to the national arts center staff Thursday following a court ruling that found the rebrand was illegal.
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