Kennedy Center Removes President Donald Trump's Name Following Court Order

CNN photographs released on June 23 show the Kennedy Center’s marble façade now blank where President Donald Trump’s name previously appeared, confirming that the name has been removed. The images were supplied by the activist organization Hands Off the Arts.

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A federal judge ruled that the Kennedy Center, as a living memorial, may bear only the name of John F. Kennedy, ordering the removal of any other presidential name.

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• June 13, 2026 – Workers removed Trump’s name from the exterior wall, complying with the judge’s order.

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• June 23, 2026 – CNN published photos showing the removal and a tarp still covering the marble.

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• June 23, 2026 – The Kennedy Center formally asked the judge for an extension to meet compliance deadlines.

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President Donald Trump, whose name was displayed; Executive Director Matt Floca, who filed the sworn court declaration confirming removal; activist group Hands Off the Arts and its co-founder Mallory Miller, who supplied the photographs; the unnamed federal judge issuing the ruling; and the Kennedy Center board, which is seeking renovation options while navigating the legal mandate.

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The center reports declining ticket sales, artist withdrawals, political controversies and staff reductions, creating a strained financial picture. The judge’s order to keep the venue operating during renovations adds further operational pressure.

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Matt Floca’s sworn court declaration confirmed that Trump’s name is no longer on the building. The Kennedy Center board requested additional time from the judge to meet compliance deadlines, citing renovation planning needs. The judge reiterated that the center must remain operational throughout the renovation period.

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Hands Off the Arts framed the tarp as evidence that “the president does not want you to see them,” arguing that the removal reflects a broader political motive and that public exposure of the change is essential.

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• “Hands Off the Arts was able to acquire these photos through our network of community members,” — Mallory Miller, Co-founder, Hands Off the Arts

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• “Tonight, there is a tarp that is covering the bare marble that these photos reveal to the world. The president does not want you to see them and that’s exactly why they’re important!” — Mallory Miller, Co-founder, Hands Off the Arts

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The sources confirm the exterior name removal but do not indicate whether interior signage still bears Trump’s name. No quantitative data on ticket revenue or staffing levels are provided, leaving the scale of the financial strain unclear.

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The Kennedy Center board awaits the judge’s decision on the extension request while advancing renovation plans. Ongoing litigation may further affect the center’s naming rights and operational strategy in the coming months.

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