World

Kennedy Centre loses last-ditch attempt to keep Trump’s name on building

The Kennedy Centre was running out of options on Friday evening to keep President Donald Trump’s name on the facade of the iconic performing arts venue.

A judge earlier in the afternoon rejected a request to pause a court-ordered deadline of Friday to remove references to Trump from the building and other aspects of the Kennedy Centre’s operations. The institution appealed that ruling, an effort that was also rebuffed on Friday evening.

Scaffolding was erected earlier in the day around a section of the building that includes Trump’s name. After a round of storms passed on Friday evening, multiple workers were back at the scene further building out the scaffolding in an apparent effort to prepare for removing the letters referencing the president.

Dozens of people gathered in the plaza in front of the Kennedy Centre taking pictures and cheering occasionally, as workers built the scaffolding.

Demonstrators wave American flags as construction crews prepare to remove President Donald Trump’s name from the The Kennedy Centre on Friday. Photo: Getty Images

After ignoring the Kennedy Centre for much of his first term, Trump has wielded tremendous influence over the venue during his return to office.