The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has instructed staff to immediately remove President Trump's name from all official documents, emails, and signage following a federal judge's ruling that the board's decision to add his name was unlawful. The center's general counsel issued a memo Thursday requiring changes within weeks, with outdoor signage needing alteration by June 12. The mandate affects all materials including email signatures, letterhead, and social media accounts.

The court decision stems from a lawsuit challenging the board's December vote to rename the institution. Judge Christopher R. Cooper ruled that only Congress possesses the authority to change the center's name, which has honored John F. Kennedy since 1964. Trump's name was added to the building's marble facade less than 24 hours after the controversial board vote, which featured members appointed by the president.

Center officials previously indicated plans to appeal the ruling but have yet to file. Trump responded by threatening to withdraw his oversight role at the cultural institution he chairs. The June 12 deadline creates immediate operational challenges for the center, which must now reverse months of branding decisions across all official channels while also managing potential fallout from the politically charged controversy.