Legal Order to Remove Trump’s Name from Kennedy Center
The staff of the Kennedy Center has been instructed to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the building, even before any formal appeal is filed. This directive comes following a ruling by a federal court that determined the board had overstepped its authority by adding Trump’s name to the center.
According to reports, the Kennedy Center’s legal team sent a memo to staff, stating that they must immediately update email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the official name as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.” The memo emphasized the urgency of this change, noting that the court gave the center 14 days from May 29 to remove all references to the name being associated with anyone other than John F. Kennedy.
The deadline for these changes is set for June 12, as outlined in the legal memo. The ruling was made by Judge Christopher R. Cooper, who stated that the statute establishing the Performing Arts Center was intended as a monument to the assassinated president. He further ruled that the center could not bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the board’s unilateral decision.
Trump, known for challenging decisions made against him, expressed his intention to “transfer” the building back to Congress. However, it is important to note that the building was never transferred to Trump in the first place. In response to the court’s ruling, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “They can make a determination as to what to do with it.”
Impact on the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center lawyers have informed staff that they must comply with the court’s ruling and begin removing the sign bearing Trump’s name, as well as all other branding featuring his name. This decision has sparked significant reactions, particularly given the center’s scheduled closure on July 7 after the “America 250” events. Trump claimed the closure would last for the remainder of his term due to “renovations.”
Following the addition of Trump’s name to the building, several performers withdrew their commitments. This led to a situation where the Kennedy Center had no season to announce for the 2026-2027 period, as reported by CNN. A range of artists, including actors, singers, bands, composers, and comedians, have chosen to pull out of show commitments due to their lack of support for Trump.
After Trump announced the closure, he faced ridicule on social media. His actions included making himself the chairman of the Kennedy Center board, firing several members, and appointing his own people. He then held a vote to affirm the name change, which resulted in the installation of the sign within hours.
Return of Big Name Acts
Now that Trump’s name is set to be removed from the building, OK Magazine Executive Editor Rob Shuter reports that major acts are already planning to return with shows. There are indications that the producers of Hamilton may be among those considering a return to the Kennedy Center.
Key Points
- Legal Action: A federal court ruled that the Kennedy Center cannot bear any name other than John F. Kennedy’s.
- Compliance Required: Staff must update all documents and branding to reflect the correct name.
- Closure Claims: Trump claimed the center would close for renovations, leading to backlash.
- Withdrawals: Many performers have withdrawn due to their opposition to Trump’s involvement.
- Return of Artists: Major acts are reportedly planning to return to the center once Trump’s name is removed.
