Leaked photographs reveal Trump's name has been removed from the Kennedy Center
A tarp covers the facade of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, following a federal judge’s order to remove U.S. President Donald Trump's name from the institution, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 20, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Heuer

Photographs taken from behind scaffolding at the Kennedy Center show President Donald Trump's name has been removed from the performing arts venue's marble facade.

The images, obtained by the activist group Hands Off the Arts and verified by The Washington Post, reveal blank square panels where Trump's name was previously installed in December.

The court-ordered removal was completed on June 14 by a 14-member crew around 3 a.m.

Rather than reveal the results, the Kennedy Center kept tarps and barricades in place with security guards blocking public view.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Trump's board violated federal law when voting to rename the venue, as only Congress has the authority to change its name.

Lawyers for Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), whose lawsuit forced the removal, accused Trump's board allies of willfully sabotaging the facade in what was described as a petty act of defiance.

Trump has publicly opposed the court order.

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