The Kennedy Center Trump name has been pulled from the institution’s website branding, following a federal judge’s ruling that the president’s name had to be removed from the performing arts center’s identity.

What the Court Ordered

For now, the large lettering on the building’s facade still reads “Donald J. Trump.” But that won’t last much longer. The Kennedy Center’s general counsel told staff in a memo that they have until June 12 to take it down in order to comply with the court order.

The instructions went beyond the exterior signage. Staff were directed to immediately update a range of internal materials, including email signatures and marketing documents, to strip out Trump’s name.

According to the memo, obtained by CNN last week, the general counsel laid out a clear two-part timeline:

• Immediately: Change email signatures, letterhead, and other documents to reflect the name as “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts” or simply “Kennedy Center.”
• By Friday, June 12, 2026: Complete remaining changes to templates, forms, signage, brochures, and website pages.

How the Name Got There

The branding change traces back to December, when Trump’s loyalist board voted to rename the institution. Shortly afterward, the website’s logo displayed “Trump Kennedy Center.”

Trump’s Shifting Response

The president has made no secret of his frustration with the ruling. In a Truth Social post shortly after the decision, he suggested he would hand full control of the storied center over to Congress. He has since backed away from that threat.

Last week, Trump indicated he would stick with his plans to renovate the center, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that he would keep things going as chairman because someone had to do it. He added that people wanted him to stay on, and that he would take a look at the situation.

What’s Coming Up at the Center

Despite the branding drama, the Kennedy Center’s programming continues. Later this month, it will honor comedian Bill Maher with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at a gala performance billed as featuring some of the biggest names in comedy.

According to a “first look” email about the event, the lineup of presenters and performers includes Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp, and Stephen A. Smith.

For those hoping to attend, performance-only tickets start at $99, with pricier packages selling for $750 and $1,500.

The coming days will show how fully the institution moves to comply with the court order ahead of the June 12 deadline, even as it presses ahead with its high-profile events.