US President Donald Trump's name was officially removed from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts early Saturday morning, June 13, 2026, following a high-stakes legal battle. It came less than six months after Trump’s name was added to the Washington institution. The signage was taken down after the first deadline was missed, as hundreds of onlookers cheered and sang God Bless America. The construction crews initiated the predawn operation around 1:20 am and dismantled the exterior signage letter-by-letter by approximately 3:40 am.Workers arrived at the site on June 12 and waited for the approval from the centre's Trump-appointed leadership as an 11th-hour effort by the Department of Justice and the centre's leadership to block or pause the court order. The workers waited there with scaffolding mounted and gear set up without any action. Soon, they lost the last effort, and a tarp was placed on parts of the scaffolding to block the view of Trump's name being taken off the building.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/spacex-ipo-retail-investors-exit-liquidity-risks-analysis-1781349887293">Trillion-dollar trap: Hidden risks behind SpaceX's blockbuster IPO that nobody wants to discuss</a>The court-ordered deadline to revert the name was Friday at 11:59 pm in local time. The DOJ filed a notice stating the government would miss the midnight mark, attributing the physical work delays to a cluster of severe local thunderstorms. While the physical letter on the marble was the last to go, the broader scrub from of Trump's name from website, email signatures, letterheads, and promotional materials were taken down to comply with the directions of the court.The White House announced in December that the Kennedy Centre's board voted "unanimously" to rename the cultural centre of the Trump-Kennedy Centre, something Trump had long desired for his legacy. After the judgment, Trump was frustrated with the outcome and posted on social media that he would abandon his pursuit of a Kennedy Centre redesign and transfer the oversight of the centre back to Congress if he did not maintain control over decision-making.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">It&#39;s past 11 PM and a large crowd is cheering as construction crews finish the scaffolding ahead of the removal of President Trump&#39;s name from the facade of the Kennedy Center. <a href="https://t.co/pv8t3slQZi">pic.twitter.com/pv8t3slQZi</a>&mdash; Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) <a href="https://x.com/BenjAlvarez1/status/2065635586002588037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Donald Trump's name was removed from the Kennedy Center facade following a court order and a prolonged legal battle. Workers dismantled the signage in an overnight operation as supporters and critics watched.

US President Donald Trump's name was officially removed from the facade of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts early Saturday morning, June 13, 2026, following a high-stakes legal battle. It came less than six months after Trump’s name was added to the Washington institution. The signage was taken down after the first deadline was missed, as hundreds of onlookers cheered and sang God Bless America. The construction crews initiated the predawn operation around 1:20 am and dismantled the exterior signage letter-by-letter by approximately 3:40 am. Workers arrived at the site on June 12 and waited for the approval from the centre's Trump-appointed leadership as an 11th-hour effort by the Department of Justice and the centre's leadership to block or pause the court order. The workers waited there with scaffolding mounted and gear set up without any action. Soon, they lost the last effort, and a tarp was placed on parts of the scaffolding to block the view of Trump's name being taken off the building. Also Read: Trillion-dollar trap: Hidden risks behind SpaceX's blockbuster IPO that nobody wants to discuss The court-ordered deadline to revert the name was Friday at 11:59 pm in local time. The DOJ filed a notice stating the government would miss the midnight mark, attributing the physical work delays to a cluster of severe local thunderstorms. While the physical letter on the marble was the last to go, the broader scrub from of Trump's name from website, email signatures, letterheads, and promotional materials were taken down to comply with the directions of the court. The White House announced in December that the Kennedy Centre's board voted "unanimously" to rename the cultural centre of the Trump-Kennedy Centre, something Trump had long desired for his legacy. After the judgment, Trump was frustrated with the outcome and posted on social media that he would abandon his pursuit of a Kennedy Centre redesign and transfer the oversight of the centre back to Congress if he did not maintain control over decision-making.

Donald Trump's name was removed from the Kennedy Center facade following a court order and a prolonged legal battle. Workers dismantled the signage in an overnight operation as supporters and critics watched.

Workers remove Trump's name from Kennedy Center in dramatic overnight operation

A US federal judge on Friday rejected an attempt by the Kennedy Centre's board and the Justice Department to block an order requiring President Donald Trump's name to be removed from the renowned performing arts venue in Washington.&nbsp;District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the administration had failed to justify delaying the removal order, which stems from his earlier decision that the venue had been renamed unlawfully.&nbsp;The judge said the public interest "is rarely served by the 'perpetuation' of 'unlawful' governmental action."&nbsp;Last month, Cooper ruled that the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts had been renamed without legal authority and said only Congress has the power to change the institution's name. He gave the administration 14 days to remove Trump's name from the building and related materials.<h2>Fresh appeal filed after court setback</h2>Following Friday's decision, the Kennedy Centre board and the Justice Department filed another appeal with a higher court in an effort to stop the removal of Trump's name. That appeal remains pending.&nbsp;Workers were seen installing scaffolding near the section of the building displaying Trump's name after the court ruling. However, the signage had not been removed by Friday evening.&nbsp;Earlier this week, the Kennedy Centre also removed Trump's name from its official website.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-raises-defence-spending-by-18-to-pkr-3-trillion-amid-economic-strain-1781304151184">Pakistan raises defence spending by 18% to PKR 3 trillion amid economic strain</a>&nbsp;The judge additionally maintained a temporary block on Trump's proposal to shut the venue for two years of renovations, a project that had been scheduled to begin in July.&nbsp;The controversy dates back to December, when the venue's governing board voted to rename the institution the "Trump Kennedy Centre." Trump's name was later added prominently to the building's facade above that of former US President John F Kennedy.&nbsp;The board had been reshaped with Trump allies after he returned to the White House and appointed himself chairman of the institution.&nbsp;Trump later reacted angrily to the court challenge and said he was relinquishing control of the venue.

Following Friday’s ruling, the Kennedy Centre board and the Justice Department appealed to a higher court to prevent the removal of Trump’s name, though it has already been taken off the centre’s website.

A US federal judge on Friday rejected an attempt by the Kennedy Centre's board and the Justice Department to block an order requiring President Donald Trump's name to be removed from the renowned performing arts venue in Washington. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the administration had failed to justify delaying the removal order, which stems from his earlier decision that the venue had been renamed unlawfully. The judge said the public interest "is rarely served by the 'perpetuation' of 'unlawful' governmental action." Last month, Cooper ruled that the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts had been renamed without legal authority and said only Congress has the power to change the institution's name. He gave the administration 14 days to remove Trump's name from the building and related materials. Fresh appeal filed after court setback Following Friday's decision, the Kennedy Centre board and the Justice Department filed another appeal with a higher court in an effort to stop the removal of Trump's name. That appeal remains pending. Workers were seen installing scaffolding near the section of the building displaying Trump's name after the court ruling. However, the signage had not been removed by Friday evening. Earlier this week, the Kennedy Centre also removed Trump's name from its official website. Also Read: Pakistan raises defence spending by 18% to PKR 3 trillion amid economic strain The judge additionally maintained a temporary block on Trump's proposal to shut the venue for two years of renovations, a project that had been scheduled to begin in July. The controversy dates back to December, when the venue's governing board voted to rename the institution the "Trump Kennedy Centre." Trump's name was later added prominently to the building's facade above that of former US President John F Kennedy. The board had been reshaped with Trump allies after he returned to the White House and appointed himself chairman of the institution. Trump later reacted angrily to the court challenge and said he was relinquishing control of the venue.

Following Friday’s ruling, the Kennedy Centre board and the Justice Department appealed to a higher court to prevent the removal of Trump’s name, though it has already been taken off the centre’s website.

Trump's name set to come off Kennedy Center after court refuses to halt order

The Kennedy Centre on Thursday ordered to remove all references to the US President Donald Trump by June 12, 2026, following a federal court ruling that found the renaming of the monument illegal. The memo issued by the Kennedy Centre states that all staff must immediately change email signatures, letterhead and other documents “to reflect the name as ‘The John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts,’ or ‘Kennedy Centre.’”This includes email signatures, letterhead, voicemails, press releases, digital websites and official documents. The deadline for the renaming is June 12, according to The New York Times.The sweeping directive comes less than a week after US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 that the organic statute establishing the landmark dictates it is meant to honour "President Kennedy alone". It said that since Congress originally named the building in 1964, only Congress holds the authority to rename it. “We are complying with the court’s order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalisation and recognise President Trump’s leadership,” &nbsp;said Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations of the Kennedy Centre.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-york-manhole-mystery-viral-videos-nypd-investigation-1780579054894">New York Police probes bizarre sightings of people emerging from manholes at night</a>The White House announced in December that the Kennedy Centre's board voted "unanimously" to rename the cultural centre of the Trump-Kennedy Centre, something Trump had long desired for his legacy. The board, which Trump stacked with sycophants such as fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, &nbsp;had voted in December 2025 to formally alter the venue's title to "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts."This triggered a swift lawsuit from Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a member of the centre's board. After the judgment, Trump was frustrated with the outcome and posted on social media that he would abandon his pursuit of a Kennedy Centre redesign and transfer the oversight of the centre back to Congress if he did not maintain control over decision-making. However, the Department of Justice added that it will continue to help President Trump's ability to restore the centre to its original glory.&nbsp;

The Kennedy Centre has been ordered to remove all references to Donald Trump by June 12 after a federal court ruled the renaming of the landmark was unlawful.

The Kennedy Centre on Thursday ordered to remove all references to the US President Donald Trump by June 12, 2026, following a federal court ruling that found the renaming of the monument illegal. The memo issued by the Kennedy Centre states that all staff must immediately change email signatures, letterhead and other documents “to reflect the name as ‘The John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts,’ or ‘Kennedy Centre.’” This includes email signatures, letterhead, voicemails, press releases, digital websites and official documents. The deadline for the renaming is June 12, according to The New York Times. The sweeping directive comes less than a week after US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on May 29 that the organic statute establishing the landmark dictates it is meant to honour "President Kennedy alone". It said that since Congress originally named the building in 1964, only Congress holds the authority to rename it. “We are complying with the court’s order while evaluating all legal options to preserve this revitalisation and recognise President Trump’s leadership,” said Roma Daravi, vice president of public relations of the Kennedy Centre. Also Read: New York Police probes bizarre sightings of people emerging from manholes at night The White House announced in December that the Kennedy Centre's board voted "unanimously" to rename the cultural centre of the Trump-Kennedy Centre, something Trump had long desired for his legacy. The board, which Trump stacked with sycophants such as fired former Attorney General Pam Bondi, had voted in December 2025 to formally alter the venue's title to "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Centre for the Performing Arts." This triggered a swift lawsuit from Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, a member of the centre's board. After the judgment, Trump was frustrated with the outcome and posted on social media that he would abandon his pursuit of a Kennedy Centre redesign and transfer the oversight of the centre back to Congress if he did not maintain control over decision-making. However, the Department of Justice added that it will continue to help President Trump's ability to restore the centre to its original glory.

The Kennedy Centre has been ordered to remove all references to Donald Trump by June 12 after a federal court ruled the renaming of the landmark was unlawful.

In a blow to Trump's ambition Kennedy Center ordered to remove Trump's name by June 12

After a federal judge on Friday blocked the Kennedy Center from temporarily shutting for renovation and the removal of President Donald Trump's name from prestigious Washington, DC venue, Trump criticised the decision on social media. Taking to Truth Social on Saturday (May 30) he talked about how the Kennedy Center needed an urgent renovation and the court's decision has stopped it from becoming one of the "Finest anywhere in the World."&nbsp;Hitting out at the judge Trump said, “Can you imagine? A Barack Hussein Obama Judge named Christopher Cooper has stopped a magnificent structural and aesthetic rebuilding of The Trump Kennedy Center where Millions of Dollars of material, marble, furniture, steel, air conditioning, heating, and so much else was ordered, or soon to be ordered, with the end result being a structure that would no longer be in a potential state of collapse, rusted, rotted, and rat and bug infested, to one that would be the Finest anywhere in the World.”&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-flight-diverted-to-wisconsin-after-unruly-passenger-causes-security-scare-1780155284781">United flight diverted to Wisconsin after 'Unruly passenger' causes security scare</a><h2>Controversy surrounding Kennedy Center</h2>&nbsp;US District Judge Casey Cooper while hearing the case concluded that the Washington DC venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval.&nbsp;The order states removal of Trump's name from the institution's title, its façade - as well as any other physical or digital signage - and official materials within 14 days.&nbsp;In February 2025, Trump replaced several trustees on the center's board and appointed himself as a trustee. He also got himself voted in as the arts center's chairman.&nbsp;In December of the same year, the board decided to rename the institution. And the next day the portico of the building saw Trump's name affixed on it.&nbsp;The renovation of the building was announced in February by Trump &nbsp;to "mark the 250th anniversary of the Country".&nbsp;&nbsp;

US District Judge Casey Cooper while hearing the case concluded that the Washington DC venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval and blocked the Kennedy Center from temporarily shutting for renovation.

After a federal judge on Friday blocked the Kennedy Center from temporarily shutting for renovation and the removal of President Donald Trump's name from prestigious Washington, DC venue, Trump criticised the decision on social media. Taking to Truth Social on Saturday (May 30) he talked about how the Kennedy Center needed an urgent renovation and the court's decision has stopped it from becoming one of the "Finest anywhere in the World." Hitting out at the judge Trump said, “Can you imagine? A Barack Hussein Obama Judge named Christopher Cooper has stopped a magnificent structural and aesthetic rebuilding of The Trump Kennedy Center where Millions of Dollars of material, marble, furniture, steel, air conditioning, heating, and so much else was ordered, or soon to be ordered, with the end result being a structure that would no longer be in a potential state of collapse, rusted, rotted, and rat and bug infested, to one that would be the Finest anywhere in the World.” ALSO READ: United flight diverted to Wisconsin after 'Unruly passenger' causes security scare Controversy surrounding Kennedy Center US District Judge Casey Cooper while hearing the case concluded that the Washington DC venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval. The order states removal of Trump's name from the institution's title, its façade - as well as any other physical or digital signage - and official materials within 14 days. In February 2025, Trump replaced several trustees on the center's board and appointed himself as a trustee. He also got himself voted in as the arts center's chairman. In December of the same year, the board decided to rename the institution. And the next day the portico of the building saw Trump's name affixed on it. The renovation of the building was announced in February by Trump to "mark the 250th anniversary of the Country".

US District Judge Casey Cooper while hearing the case concluded that the Washington DC venue cannot be renamed without congressional approval and blocked the Kennedy Center from temporarily shutting for renovation.

Trump hits out at judge who ordered removal of his name from Kennedy Center

A federal judge has ordered the removal of Donald Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ruling that the venue cannot be renamed without an act of Congress. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper directed the administration to take down all signage and references to a "Trump Kennedy Center" within 14 days.


Federal Judge Orders Removal of Trump's Name On Kennedy Center

A federal judge on Friday (May 29) blocked plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for a lengthy renovation project and ruled that its board acted unlawfully when it voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the iconic performing arts institution. US District Judge Casey Cooper determined that the law creating the Kennedy Center clearly establishes the venue as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and does not allow the board to rename it without congressional approval.&nbsp;“The law establishing the center makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so." “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote in his 94-page opinion. The judge ordered Kennedy Center officials to remove all signage containing Trump’s name within two weeks and update the institution’s website to eliminate references to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ and the ‘Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts’.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-warns-russia-preparing-massive-new-strike-on-ukraine-urges-citizens-to-stay-alert-amid-threat-1780089018431">Zelensky warns Russia preparing 'massive new strike' on Ukraine; urges citizens to stay alert amid threat</a>&nbsp;Cooper further ruled that the center is permanently prohibited from displaying, installing, or maintaining any physical or digital signage on the Kennedy Center building or grounds that designates, suggests, or implies that the institution is named for any person other than President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy Center officials quickly signaled plans to appeal the ruling. “We are confident that on appeal the court will uphold the board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center,” Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, said in a statement.&nbsp;While blocking the closure, Cooper noted that renovation work on the aging facility may continue. However, he said the board failed to adequately evaluate how shutting down the venue for two years would affect its legal obligation to maintain ongoing public programming. “There is no evidence that the Board took account of its full range of statutory obligations in determining that a wholesale shuttering of the Kennedy Center was appropriate,” he wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;In short, there is no evidence before the Court that the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees considered how it would accomplish its full legislative mandate during the closure period. Daravi said officials would review the decision carefully but stressed that the building requires major repairs and modernisation. Planned upgrades include HVAC improvements, drainage remediation, soffit panel replacements, and theater seating enhancements.<h2>Here's how Trump reacted to the ruling</h2>

<h2>Lawsuit brought by a Democratic lawmaker</h2>The ruling marks a significant victory for Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who filed the lawsuit after board members voted to rename the center. She later expanded her legal challenge when plans emerged to close the venue during a large-scale renovation. “Today’s ruling rightly affirms that this administration’s efforts to rename and close the center have no basis in law,” Beatty said in a statement.&nbsp;“The Kennedy Center is an institution that belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump.” Trump, who became chairman of the board last year, has overseen substantial leadership and programming changes at the center. Critics argue that those moves contributed to declining ticket sales and several high-profile artist withdrawals.&nbsp;Under Trump’s leadership, the board approved plans late last year to rename the venue the Trump Kennedy Center. In March, trustees also voted to close the center beginning July 7 for a two-year renovation project. Beatty’s lawsuit argued that board members were not provided sufficient information before voting on the closure proposal. Although renovation documents were distributed shortly before the March board meeting, Cooper said they largely focused on renovation work already anticipated rather than justifying a complete shutdown.&nbsp;The judge concluded that the decision to close the center had effectively been made before trustees formally voted. “The board’s vote on whether to close the center,” he wrote, was foreordained. Cooper cited evidence suggesting preparations for closure were underway months before Trump publicly announced the plan. “Whatever happened during that purported four-month incubation period, board input was, most evidently, an afterthought,” Cooper wrote.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-massive-military-presence-around-cuba-as-island-crisis-deepens-1780078564293/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-builds-massive-military-presence-around-cuba-as-island-crisis-deepens-1780078564293/embed</a>&nbsp;“Trustees learned about the plan to close the center at the same time as the general public, through a social media post. Deprived of time and information, they had no meaningful opportunity to consider perhaps the most momentous decision in the Center’s lifetime since it opened in 1971.” “President Trump’s assurance that closure would be totally subject to board approval rings hollow, as he himself later admitted that it was a little late for the board to weigh in because the plan had already been announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;To him, Board approval was just a minor detail, the judge added. Former employees and arts advocates had previously warned that a prolonged closure could result in the loss of performers, staff expertise, audience engagement, and donor support, potentially causing lasting damage to the institution.

A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center's planned closure and ordered Donald Trump's name removed, ruling only Congress can legally rename the iconic arts institution

A federal judge on Friday (May 29) blocked plans to temporarily close the Kennedy Center for a lengthy renovation project and ruled that its board acted unlawfully when it voted to add President Donald Trump’s name to the iconic performing arts institution. US District Judge Casey Cooper determined that the law creating the Kennedy Center clearly establishes the venue as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy and does not allow the board to rename it without congressional approval. “The law establishing the center makes crystal clear that the Center is to be named for President Kennedy, and it cannot bear any other formal name or public memorial based on the Board’s unilateral say-so." “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” Cooper wrote in his 94-page opinion. The judge ordered Kennedy Center officials to remove all signage containing Trump’s name within two weeks and update the institution’s website to eliminate references to ‘Trump Kennedy Center’ and the ‘Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts’. Also Read: Zelensky warns Russia preparing 'massive new strike' on Ukraine; urges citizens to stay alert amid threat Cooper further ruled that the center is permanently prohibited from displaying, installing, or maintaining any physical or digital signage on the Kennedy Center building or grounds that designates, suggests, or implies that the institution is named for any person other than President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy Center officials quickly signaled plans to appeal the ruling. “We are confident that on appeal the court will uphold the board’s will to recognize President Trump’s historic contributions to our nation’s cultural center,” Roma Daravi, the center’s vice president of public relations, said in a statement. While blocking the closure, Cooper noted that renovation work on the aging facility may continue. However, he said the board failed to adequately evaluate how shutting down the venue for two years would affect its legal obligation to maintain ongoing public programming. “There is no evidence that the Board took account of its full range of statutory obligations in determining that a wholesale shuttering of the Kennedy Center was appropriate,” he wrote. In short, there is no evidence before the Court that the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees considered how it would accomplish its full legislative mandate during the closure period. Daravi said officials would review the decision carefully but stressed that the building requires major repairs and modernisation. Planned upgrades include HVAC improvements, drainage remediation, soffit panel replacements, and theater seating enhancements. Here's how Trump reacted to the ruling

Federal judge blocks Kennedy Center closure and orders removal of Donald Trump's name, ruling only Congress can rename the venue

Federal judge orders removal of Trump's name from iconic Kennedy Center, blocks closure plan

US President Donald Trump reportedly plans to close the Kennedy Center amid falling ticket sales and mounting cancellations from artists, critics say the move could impact America’s cultural scene and performing arts community, experts highlight concerns over the future of iconic performances, funding, and artist livelihoods

Donald Trump Plans Two-Year Closure of Kennedy Center for Reconstruction 

Trump Plans to Close Kennedy Center | Artists Cancel, Ticket Sales Plummet

Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and music legend George Strait are among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, which US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. Disco diva Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, and British theater star Michael Crawford are others who will receive the honors, one of the United States' highest awards for the arts.&nbsp;Donald Trump has announced that he will host the gala where the awards will be distributed&nbsp;to the winners.&nbsp;Donald Trump said the awards will&nbsp;be quite successful if he hosts them.&nbsp;Sylvester Stallone, 79, is a three-time Oscar nominee. He is best known for the Rocky film franchise. He also played the titular role in the superhit franchise, Rambo.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/i-asked-elon-musk-s-ai-grok-why-it-called-trump-most-notorious-criminal-in-washington-it-doubled-down-and-gave-me-these-reasons-1754985406949">Also read: I asked Grok why it called Trump 'most notorious criminal'. It said THIS</a>&nbsp;Strait, 73, is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, known for huge hits like "All My Exes Live in Texas" and “Amarillo by Morning.”&nbsp;KISS, the band that was formed in New York in the 1970s, is famous for its shock rock performances.&nbsp;The Kennedy Center is one of the country's top performing arts facilities. It was opened in 1971 in memory of John F Kennedy, the US President who was shot dead during a parade.&nbsp;Soon after becoming the president the second time, Donald Trump appointed himself as the board's chairman.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-bring-up-alleged-russian-hack-into-us-federal-court-system-during-talks-with-putin-here-s-what-he-said-1755107553556">Also read: Trump to bring up alleged Russian hack into US federal court system during talks with Putin? Here’s what he said</a>&nbsp;"A few short months ago, I became chairman of the Kennedy Center," Donald Trump said Wednesday.&nbsp;"We ended the woke...political programming," he added.&nbsp;During 2017 and 2021, Donald Trump didn't attend the gala because some of the artists had criticized&nbsp;him.

Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and music legend George Strait are among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, which were announced by US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. 

Rocky star Sylvester Stallone and music legend George Strait are among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, which US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday. Disco diva Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS, and British theater star Michael Crawford are others who will receive the honors, one of the United States' highest awards for the arts. Donald Trump has announced that he will host the gala where the awards will be distributed to the winners. Donald Trump said the awards will be quite successful if he hosts them. Sylvester Stallone, 79, is a three-time Oscar nominee. He is best known for the Rocky film franchise. He also played the titular role in the superhit franchise, Rambo. Also read: I asked Grok why it called Trump 'most notorious criminal'. It said THIS Strait, 73, is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, known for huge hits like "All My Exes Live in Texas" and “Amarillo by Morning.” KISS, the band that was formed in New York in the 1970s, is famous for its shock rock performances. The Kennedy Center is one of the country's top performing arts facilities. It was opened in 1971 in memory of John F Kennedy, the US President who was shot dead during a parade. Soon after becoming the president the second time, Donald Trump appointed himself as the board's chairman. Also read: Trump to bring up alleged Russian hack into US federal court system during talks with Putin? Here’s what he said "A few short months ago, I became chairman of the Kennedy Center," Donald Trump said Wednesday. "We ended the woke...political programming," he added. During 2017 and 2021, Donald Trump didn't attend the gala because some of the artists had criticized him.

Kennedy Center Honors: Donald Trump said the awards will&nbsp;be quite successful if he hosts them.

Donald Trump announces Kennedy Center Honors, Sylvester Stallone gets award

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone and country music great George Strait among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, as he pursues a controversial overhaul of the storied arts institution.&nbsp;Disco diva Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS and British theatre star Michael Crawford, known for his indelible turn in the lead role of Broadway staple "Phantom of the Opera," will also receive the Honors, one of the nation's highest arts awards.&nbsp;Trump announced he himself would host the Honors gala, which usually takes place in early December and is later broadcast on CBS.&nbsp;"I did not insist, but I think it will be quite successful," he told reporters at the stately white marble complex overlooking the Potomac River.&nbsp;He also joked that he wanted an honor himself but was "never able to get one."&nbsp;Stallone, who at 79 is the same age as Trump, is a three-time Oscar nominee: for best actor and screenplay for the 1976 classic boxing flick "Rocky," and for best supporting actor, again in the Rocky Balboa role, in the 2015 follow-up "Creed."&nbsp;He is also a major Trump supporter and one of the president's "Hollywood ambassadors" along with Jon Voight and Mel Gibson.&nbsp;Strait, 73, is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, known for huge hits like "All My Exes Live in Texas" and "Amarillo by Morning." Gaynor, 81, is the singer behind the monster disco anthem "I Will Survive."&nbsp;KISS, formed in the 1970s in Trump's hometown of New York City, gained fame with its shock rock performances and outlandish black and white face paint.&nbsp;Crawford, 83, made his mark on British television in the 1970s before achieving international success by originating the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Phantom of the Opera," thrilling audiences with his powerful tenor voice.<h2>‘Not going to be woke’</h2>&nbsp;The Kennedy Center, one of the nation's top performing arts venues, is a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1971, it has long enjoyed bipartisan support.&nbsp;But in February, shortly after returning to the Oval Office, Trump ousted the center's leadership and installed himself as board chairman, vowing to purge any programming he deems objectionable.&nbsp;"A few short months ago, I became chairman of the Kennedy Center," Trump said Wednesday.&nbsp;"We ended the woke...political programming."&nbsp;In his first term, from 2017 to 2021, the Republican president skipped the Kennedy Center Honors gala, the biggest fundraiser of the year, because some of the artists receiving awards criticised him or said they would not attend in his presence.&nbsp;The Kennedy Center is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and also offers theatre, opera, comedy and other productions.&nbsp;Many artists associated with the center, including opera singer Renee Fleming and musician Ben Folds, have cut ties with the institution. Others including comedian Issa Rae cancelled performances.&nbsp;The producers of the smash hit historical musical "Hamilton" opted to cancel a scheduled 2026 run timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, citing the end of "neutrality" at the center.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Kennedy Center, one of the nation's top performing arts venues, is a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1971, it has long enjoyed bipartisan support.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday named "Rocky" star Sylvester Stallone and country music great George Strait among the recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors, as he pursues a controversial overhaul of the storied arts institution. Disco diva Gloria Gaynor, rock band KISS and British theatre star Michael Crawford, known for his indelible turn in the lead role of Broadway staple "Phantom of the Opera," will also receive the Honors, one of the nation's highest arts awards. Trump announced he himself would host the Honors gala, which usually takes place in early December and is later broadcast on CBS. "I did not insist, but I think it will be quite successful," he told reporters at the stately white marble complex overlooking the Potomac River. He also joked that he wanted an honor himself but was "never able to get one." Stallone, who at 79 is the same age as Trump, is a three-time Oscar nominee: for best actor and screenplay for the 1976 classic boxing flick "Rocky," and for best supporting actor, again in the Rocky Balboa role, in the 2015 follow-up "Creed." He is also a major Trump supporter and one of the president's "Hollywood ambassadors" along with Jon Voight and Mel Gibson. Strait, 73, is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, known for huge hits like "All My Exes Live in Texas" and "Amarillo by Morning." Gaynor, 81, is the singer behind the monster disco anthem "I Will Survive." KISS, formed in the 1970s in Trump's hometown of New York City, gained fame with its shock rock performances and outlandish black and white face paint. Crawford, 83, made his mark on British television in the 1970s before achieving international success by originating the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Phantom of the Opera," thrilling audiences with his powerful tenor voice. ‘Not going to be woke’ The Kennedy Center, one of the nation's top performing arts venues, is a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1971, it has long enjoyed bipartisan support. But in February, shortly after returning to the Oval Office, Trump ousted the center's leadership and installed himself as board chairman, vowing to purge any programming he deems objectionable. "A few short months ago, I became chairman of the Kennedy Center," Trump said Wednesday. "We ended the woke...political programming." In his first term, from 2017 to 2021, the Republican president skipped the Kennedy Center Honors gala, the biggest fundraiser of the year, because some of the artists receiving awards criticised him or said they would not attend in his presence. The Kennedy Center is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and also offers theatre, opera, comedy and other productions. Many artists associated with the center, including opera singer Renee Fleming and musician Ben Folds, have cut ties with the institution. Others including comedian Issa Rae cancelled performances. The producers of the smash hit historical musical "Hamilton" opted to cancel a scheduled 2026 run timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, citing the end of "neutrality" at the center. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Kennedy Center, one of the nation's top performing arts venues, is a living monument to the late John F. Kennedy. Opened in 1971, it has long enjoyed bipartisan support.

Trump announces Kennedy Center honorees, names Stallone, Strait among recipients

Gladys Knight, Singer Amy Grant, activist-actor George Clooney and Irish band U2 were honoured at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday. The honorees were given heartfelt tributes by their peers and friends. Patti LaBelle praised Gladys Knight, Matt Damon teased his friend George Clooney and Sheryl Crow sang a heartfelt rendition of 'Baby Baby' for Amy Grant.&nbsp;

Groundbreaking composer and conductor Tania León was also part of this year’s class. Every year the Kennedy Center honours a select group of people for their artistic influences on American culture. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their respective spouses were in attendance.

On the red carpet ahead of the Kennedy Center show, Clooney, with his wife, Amal, beside him, joked that after seeing friends like Don Cheadle and Julia Roberts in attendance he was worried his tribute would be more of a “roast.” And it was indeed a bit of a roast for Clooney, though his friends and family showed evident respect.

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Please join us in congratulating your 45th class of Kennedy Center Honorees. 🤩🌈✨ 
 
Tune in Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. EST as a star-studded <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCHonors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KCHonors</a> lineup pays tribute to <a href="https://twitter.com/U2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@U2</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/amygrant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmyGrant</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MsGladysKnight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MsGladysKnight</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeorgeClooney?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeorgeClooney</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaniaLe%C3%B3n?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaniaLeón</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/CBS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBS</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a>. 
 
📸 Gail Schulman <a href="https://t.co/1OMUVoJS9H">pic.twitter.com/1OMUVoJS9H</a>
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) <a href="https://twitter.com/kencen/status/1599391013239488512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Longtime friend Julia Roberts set the tone by coming out onstage with a dress decorated with photos of Clooney all over it. After an introduction that alternated between funny and heartfelt, she turned to a set designed to look like a smoky bar — the type Clooney might enjoy. The actor’s father regaled the crowd with stories of a young George, including the time the 7-year-old — heartbroken over Martin Luther King Jr. assassination in 1968 — gave his father all his toy guns.

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So this is kind of amazing: George Clooney was among the honorees at tonight’s Kennedy Center Honors, so Julia Roberts wore a custom Moschino gown adorned with … framed photos of George Clooney. Great sense of humor … <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KennedyCenterHonors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KennedyCenterHonors</a> <a href="https://t.co/UaM3R6c7IC">pic.twitter.com/UaM3R6c7IC</a>
— 🌻🌻 Laurie Brookins 🌻🌻 (@StyleWriterNYC) <a href="https://twitter.com/StyleWriterNYC/status/1599604050634211329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Miss Gladys Knight looked extremely beautiful last night being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors! <a href="https://t.co/hPZsF4pmk4">pic.twitter.com/hPZsF4pmk4</a>
— 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚓𝚎𝚌𝚝. (@travisfromdabk_) <a href="https://twitter.com/travisfromdabk_/status/1599465398550032384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Damon took the funny road, joking about how Clooney once stole then-President Bill Clinton’s stationery and wrote notes to fellow actors on it. Cheadle highlighted Clooney’s philanthropic work.

LaBelle called Knight her “everything,” saying they had been friends for six decades and seen each other through laughter and tears. “We do everything together,” LaBelle said. “I am honoured to honour you tonight.”

Actor and hip-hop star LL Cool J said that whenever Knight sings she connects with people. “I once heard Gladys sing the ABCs and I thought I was in church,” he said.

Country music superstar Garth Brooks, citing Knight’s “roots in country music,” sang her classic “Midnight Train to Georgia.”

Crow sang one of Grant’s most famous songs, “Baby Baby,” while veteran news anchor Katie Couric talked about how young Grant was when she was discovered.

The honorees came to the theater from a White House reception where Biden praised them before a star-studded East Room crowd as an “exceptional group of artists.”

“Thank you for showing us the power of the arts and ‘We the People,’” Biden said.

(With agency inputs)

Gladys Knight, Singer Amy Grant, activist-actor George Clooney and Irish band U2 were honoured at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday. The honorees were given heartfelt tributes by their peers and friends.

Gladys Knight, Singer Amy Grant, activist-actor George Clooney and Irish band U2 were honoured at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday. The honorees were given heartfelt tributes by their peers and friends. Patti LaBelle praised Gladys Knight, Matt Damon teased his friend George Clooney and Sheryl Crow sang a heartfelt rendition of 'Baby Baby' for Amy Grant. Groundbreaking composer and conductor Tania León was also part of this year’s class. Every year the Kennedy Center honours a select group of people for their artistic influences on American culture. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their respective spouses were in attendance. On the red carpet ahead of the Kennedy Center show, Clooney, with his wife, Amal, beside him, joked that after seeing friends like Don Cheadle and Julia Roberts in attendance he was worried his tribute would be more of a “roast.” And it was indeed a bit of a roast for Clooney, though his friends and family showed evident respect. Please join us in congratulating your 45th class of Kennedy Center Honorees. 🤩🌈✨ Tune in Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. EST as a star-studded #KCHonors lineup pays tribute to @U2, @AmyGrant, @MsGladysKnight, #GeorgeClooney, and #TaniaLeón on @CBS and @ParamountPlus. 📸 Gail Schulman pic.twitter.com/1OMUVoJS9H — The Kennedy Center (@kencen) December 4, 2022 × Longtime friend Julia Roberts set the tone by coming out onstage with a dress decorated with photos of Clooney all over it. After an introduction that alternated between funny and heartfelt, she turned to a set designed to look like a smoky bar — the type Clooney might enjoy. The actor’s father regaled the crowd with stories of a young George, including the time the 7-year-old — heartbroken over Martin Luther King Jr. assassination in 1968 — gave his father all his toy guns. So this is kind of amazing: George Clooney was among the honorees at tonight’s Kennedy Center Honors, so Julia Roberts wore a custom Moschino gown adorned with … framed photos of George Clooney. Great sense of humor … #KennedyCenterHonors pic.twitter.com/UaM3R6c7IC — 🌻🌻 Laurie Brookins 🌻🌻 (@StyleWriterNYC) December 5, 2022 × Miss Gladys Knight looked extremely beautiful last night being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors! pic.twitter.com/hPZsF4pmk4 — 𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚝𝚕𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚓𝚎𝚌𝚝. (@travisfromdabk_) December 4, 2022 × Damon took the funny road, joking about how Clooney once stole then-President Bill Clinton’s stationery and wrote notes to fellow actors on it. Cheadle highlighted Clooney’s philanthropic work. LaBelle called Knight her “everything,” saying they had been friends for six decades and seen each other through laughter and tears. “We do everything together,” LaBelle said. “I am honoured to honour you tonight.” Actor and hip-hop star LL Cool J said that whenever Knight sings she connects with people. “I once heard Gladys sing the ABCs and I thought I was in church,” he said. Country music superstar Garth Brooks, citing Knight’s “roots in country music,” sang her classic “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Crow sang one of Grant’s most famous songs, “Baby Baby,” while veteran news anchor Katie Couric talked about how young Grant was when she was discovered. The honorees came to the theater from a White House reception where Biden praised them before a star-studded East Room crowd as an “exceptional group of artists.” “Thank you for showing us the power of the arts and ‘We the People,’” Biden said. (With agency inputs)

Biden honours Gladys Knight, George Clooney, U2 at Kennedy Center 

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