Matt Floca, executive director and chief operating officer of the performing arts venue,聽told a federal court聽Saturday that the institution had complied with an order to remove Trump鈥檚 name from the facade. In a filing, Floca said the board of trustees and the center had removed 鈥渁ll physical signage on the Kennedy Center building and grounds, including the front portico, that purports to rename the Kennedy Center after President Trump.鈥�
But for onlookers who have gathered on the plaza in front of the center over the past day hoping to witness a dramatic moment symbolizing the limits of Trump鈥檚 power, it was virtually impossible to see whether the signage was gone. A tarp hung over the scaffolding constructed for workers to perform that task.
It is unclear when the tarp might be removed to reveal the original lettering that had endured for decades: 鈥淭he John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.鈥�
A reporter was able to peer through a slight opening in the tarp, which was pulled tightly against the wall, and saw that the letters for Trump鈥檚 name were no longer affixed to the building.
By the end, the Kennedy Center鈥檚 leadership had dug in against a federal judge鈥檚 order to erase Trump鈥檚 name from the building. Two courts rejected the institution鈥檚 last-minute request to keep retain Trump鈥檚 name pending an appeal. After severe thunderstorms raked the D.C. region on Friday evening, the Kennedy Center sought one more extension before complying with a noon Saturday deadline.
See photos of the building’s updated exterior below.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
