Workers started removing US President Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center early Saturday after a court ordered the institution to eliminate references to him from the building and official operations.
Crews arrived hours after a Friday deadline imposed by the court, with scaffolding and tarps covering parts of the iconic performing arts venue in Washington, DC.
The removal followed a legal dispute over the naming of the center and Trump’s influence over the institution during his second term in office.
Court order forces removal work
The Kennedy Center had asked a judge for a brief extension after thunderstorms delayed the work on Friday evening.
In a court filing, officials said the removal process was already underway and would finish during the early hours of Saturday morning.
Workers later began dismantling Trump’s name from the facade before leaving the site around 3:30 a.m., although tarps continued to cover parts of the structure.
Protesters gather outside Kennedy Center
Dozens of people gathered outside the Kennedy Center on Friday while workers prepared the site.
Some protesters cheered and chanted “take it down” as crews worked around the building.
Representative Joyce Beatty, who filed the lawsuit seeking the removal of Trump’s name, was also seen at the plaza during the demonstrations.
Trump expanded influence over venue during second term
During his second term, Trump reshaped the Kennedy Center’s leadership after replacing its previous board and appointing himself chairman.
His administration quickly added his name to parts of the building after the leadership changes.
Judge Christopher Cooper later ruled that only the US Congress has the authority to alter the official name of the Kennedy Center.
Renovation plans remain part of legal dispute
The court ruling also blocked plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for major renovations expected to begin in July.
The institution argued the repairs were urgently needed due to structural safety concerns, including deteriorating beams and parking garage ceilings.
Even while challenging the ruling, the Kennedy Center has already started removing Trump’s name from internal documents, website materials and official communications.
