The Kennedy Center has complied with a federal court order to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the performing arts venue’s facade. Matt Floca, the institution’s executive director and chief operating officer, stated in a filing that the board of trustees and the center removed all physical signage on the building and grounds that purports to rename the center after the president. While a tarp hung over scaffolding made it difficult for onlookers to see the changes, a reporter was able to see through a small opening that the letters for Trump’s name were no longer affixed to the building. The removal follows a court order that was upheld after two courts rejected the institution’s last-minute request to keep the name pending an appeal. The Kennedy Center had sought an extension before a noon Saturday deadline, citing severe thunderstorms on Friday evening. The center’s leadership had previously argued that the court was interfering with necessary renovations to repair “potentially life threatening structural damage,” such as rusted beams and parking garage ceilings. The institution also suggested that the name could return if it wins its appeal, arguing that removing the signage now would “squander time and money.” The center has already removed Trump’s name from its official website. Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, an ex officio board member who sued to remove the references, called the outcome a victory for the rule of law. Conversely, President Trump has expressed anger over the order, stating he would turn the center over to Congress and suggesting it might shutter due to public safety concerns. The removal marks a shift from when Trump replaced the institution’s leadership in January 2025 and added his name to the building.