Key facts
- The Kennedy Center is ordered to remove President Trump's name.
- A federal court ruled the name additions were made illegally without congressional approval.
- Staff must immediately change email signatures and letterhead.
- Other changes, including signage and brochures, must be completed by June 12.
- Trump had added his name to the facade in December, prompting a lawsuit.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will remove all references to President Donald Trump following a federal court ruling that found the additions were made illegally without congressional approval. A memo from the center's general counsel instructed staff to immediately change email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the name as 'The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' or 'Kennedy Center.' Other changes, such as signage and brochures, must be completed by June 12. Trump had added his name before Kennedy's on the building's facade in December, which prompted a lawsuit from Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper directed the Trump administration to remove all physical signage and references to a 'Trump Kennedy Center' from official materials within 14 days. The Kennedy Center opened in 1971 as a memorial to President Kennedy. Trump's administration also announced plans for other projects in Washington, including a promenade to the Lincoln Memorial and a large ballroom.