Kennedy Center Moves to Remove Trump Name After Court Ruling

June 5, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has instructed staff to remove references to U.S. President Donald Trump from its branding and communications, following a federal court ruling that blocked the renaming of the institution without congressional approval.

According to a memo issued by the centre’s general counsel, employees were told to update email signatures, letterhead and official documents to reflect the institution’s original name.

The instruction marks the first operational step toward reversing a name change introduced by Trump last year.

The memo also requires broader changes to signage, brochures and websites to be completed by June 12.

The dispute originated after Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty filed a lawsuit challenging the renaming decision.