The general counsel of the Kennedy Center has directed staff to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the building by June 12, in compliance with a recent federal court order, according to a memo obtained by CNN
The directive instructs staff to immediately update official materials, including email signatures, letterheads, and marketing documents, to reflect the institution’s original name “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” or simply “Kennedy Center.” Additional changes to signage, templates, brochures, and website content must be completed by the deadline.
The memo, first reported by The New York Times, follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Casey Cooper, who determined that the Kennedy Center’s name cannot be altered without congressional approval. In his decision, Cooper emphasized that the law establishing the center clearly mandates it be named solely after President John F. Kennedy.
“Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote in his 94-page opinion.
The court also ordered officials to remove any signage bearing Trump’s name and eliminate references such as “Trump Kennedy Center” from all platforms within two weeks.
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The ruling represents a setback for Trump’s efforts to reshape the institution. Earlier in his second term, he restructured the center’s board, installing loyalists as part of a broader attempt to influence the performing arts venue.
Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations, Roma Daravi, said the institution is complying with the order while reviewing legal options. “We are complying with the court’s order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalization and recognize President Trump’s leadership,” she stated.
The White House declined direct comment, preferring instead to Trump’s posts on Truth Social, where he criticized the ruling and signaled a possible withdrawal from involvement with the center. He indicated plans to transfer control of the institution to Congress, stating he had “no interest in continuing” unless granted full authority.
The development follows visible efforts to rebrand the center, including signage, merchandise, and printed programs bearing Trump’s name, though some areas of the facility had retained the original branding.
Meanwhile, Trump also unveiled a new proposal for Washington, D.C., describing plans for a “promenade” linking the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River, though he expressed uncertainty about naming the project after himself.
CNN
