Trump Humiliated as Staff Ordered to Remove All Traces of Him
The Daily Beast
Last updated: June 5, 2026
The Kennedy Center must remove all references to President Donald Trump's name by June 12. This directive follows a U.S. District Judge's ruling that the addition of Trump's name was unlawful, as only Congress has the authority to rename the historic performing arts center. The decision impacts the center's operations and its board.
- The Kennedy Center's lawyers have instructed employees to immediately update email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the official name: "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or "Kennedy Center." This action must be completed by June 12.
- U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in favor of Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty, a member of the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees, who sued over the name change. The judge, appointed by former President Barack Obama, determined that the addition of Trump's name was unlawful and that only Congress can alter the institution's official title.
- The decision to rename the center to include Trump's name was made by the board in December. However, Rep. Beatty, a voting member, alleged she was "censored" and muted during the board meeting when she attempted to voice her objections and ask questions.
- Beatty stated that the Kennedy Center was created by Congress and that attempts to rename it without congressional approval are an effort to "evade the law."
- Earlier in March, Trump announced the center would close for two years for renovations, leading to layoffs. This announcement followed a period of poor ticket sales and performer dropouts.
