Workers begin removing Trump's name from Kennedy Center early Saturday morning, after judge's order

Workers Begin Removing Trump Name From Kennedy Center Early Saturday After Court Order

Workers began removing President Donald Trump's name from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts early Saturday morning, after thunderstorms delayed compliance with a federal court deadline set for Friday, June 12.

U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled last month that the addition of Trump's name to the center was unauthorized and ordered its removal by the end of the day on June 12. The same order also blocked plans to close the venue for renovations for two years. Scaffolding was erected Friday afternoon, but crews did not start the physical removal until shortly before 6 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday. A tarp covered the work area during the process.

The name remained visible past midnight Friday as work continued. Justice Department lawyers stated in court filings that thunderstorms in Washington had created safety concerns for workers on the exterior. They said the removal would be finished by early Saturday.

On Friday, Judge Cooper denied the Trump administration's request to stay the injunction while an appeal proceeded. Later that day, the Justice Department asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit for an immediate stay that would allow the name to remain in place. A three-judge panel issued a one-page order rejecting the request for an immediate stay and directing both sides to file briefs later in the month. The panel consisted of two judges appointed by President Barack Obama and one appointed by President Trump, with no dissents noted.

In its filing to the appeals court, the government argued that changing the name and signage now, only to potentially restore it after a successful appeal, would create unnecessary disruption. It stated that repeated name changes within a single year could confuse the public and noted that some donors had contributed specifically because of the association with Trump's name. The filing said that without "Trump" on the building, fundraising would halt and committed funds would need to be returned or terminated.

The motion also referenced the condition of the facility, describing it as in poor shape and unable to compete with other venues. It stated that after planned renovations the center would become a facility that everyone, including the court, would view positively.

Attorneys for Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, who filed the lawsuit challenging the name change and closure plans, urged the appeals court to deny the emergency motion. They described it as a last-minute filing intended to pressure the court and characterized the timing as an attempt to create an artificial emergency after weeks of preparation for compliance. The response stated that the administration could restore the name later if it prevailed on appeal and that there was no reason to delay finishing the work already planned.

The Kennedy Center board, which includes members aligned with the Trump administration, voted in December to add the president's name, rebranding the venue as the Trump-Kennedy Center. The center was established by Congress as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Beatty, a member of the board, brought the legal challenge. In May, Judge Cooper held that only Congress has authority to approve a name change for the institution and set the June 12 compliance date.

Earlier in June, the center's general counsel issued a memo directing staff to begin preparations to revert the name to its original form. The center's website has already removed references to the president's name from much of its online content. The Trump administration replaced several Democratic-appointed board members with allies and administration officials after the president returned to office. Plans were also discussed to adjust the types of performances presented at the venue.

The appeals court briefing schedule set by the panel requires filings later this month. The physical removal of the exterior lettering proceeded under the district court's order while the appeal remains pending.

Melissa Quinn and Katrina Kaufman contributed to this report.