Key facts
- The 24-foot sculpture "Blue" by Joel Shapiro was removed from the Kennedy Center.
- The removal is part of President Donald Trump's broader initiative to reshape Washington D.C.'s public spaces.
The Kennedy Center removed Joel Shapiro's 24-foot sculpture "Blue" as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to redesign Washington's public spaces. Trump allies are also in court to keep his name on the building.
The removal of the sculpture and the ongoing efforts to rename the Kennedy Center highlight President Trump's ambitious agenda to reshape Washington's landmarks and public spaces, signaling a significant shift in the capital's cultural and political landscape.
The Kennedy Center has removed the 24-foot sculpture "Blue" from its grounds as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to redesign Washington D.C.'s public spaces. The sculpture, created by artist Joel Shapiro, had been on display since 2019.
The removal coincides with court battles initiated by Trump allies seeking to keep his name on the facade of the Kennedy Center, which was established to memorialize President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedy Center confirmed the deinstallation, stating it is a common practice and expressing gratitude to the artist.
President Trump has been actively pursuing a significant remaking of Washington, with projects including a new White House ballroom and a large arch. His administration has also argued that the Kennedy Center may require demolition without major repairs. Since taking office in 2025, Trump has overseen changes at the center, including leadership shifts and renovations, despite a previous court order in May to remove his name from the facade.
In a subsequent move, the Kennedy Center board, controlled by Trump appointees, voted on August 13 to reinstate Trump's name, renaming it "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump," setting up a potential conflict with the judicial order.