Judge Orders Removal of Trump Name, Public Cheers as Kennedy Center Restores Original Name

Central Message

(CNA, Washington, 13th - comprehensive international news) Construction workers early this morning removed former U.S. President Donald Trump's name from the exterior wall of the Kennedy Center, following a court-issued demolition order. A legal battle has temporarily concluded, and the renowned performance venue has now restored its original name.

According to AFP, Trump has long defied political norms by prominently displaying his name and image in public spaces. The removal of his name represents a significant setback for him.

On May 29, U.S. Federal District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center by the end of June 12.

Judge Cooper stated that the arts center, originally dedicated to symphonic music, theater, and dance performances, was unlawfully renamed after Trump—a change only Congress has the authority to make.

The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to halt enforcement of Cooper's order, but the federal appeals court later rejected the request.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump appointed himself chairman of the Kennedy Center and installed loyal supporters onto its board.

In December of last year, the board voted to rename the venue the 'Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts'.

After the Kennedy Center was renamed to include Trump's name, several performance groups canceled their programs, and ticket sales for even ongoing shows plummeted.

On the night of June 12, workers erected scaffolding to prepare for removing Trump's name. Some citizens cheered on-site, while tens of thousands more watched via live stream.

Elise Serbaroli, a 42-year-old spectator, described the Kennedy Center as one of her favorite places, saying, 'I was deeply saddened when I first saw Trump's name put up.' She called the removal 'a major victory.' (Translation: Chi-Chin Ling) 1150614