The Secretive Removal of Trump’s Name from Kennedy Center Sparks Public Interest
The recent removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center’s facade in Washington, D.C., occurred under a veil of secrecy, following a federal judge’s order. This decision has captured public attention, with NPR’s Frank Langfitt reporting from the scene.
ADRIAN FLORIDO, HOST: President Trump has made his mark on Washington, but the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will no longer bear his name, thanks to a court ruling. NPR’s Frank Langfitt was present to witness the events unfold. Hi, Frank.
FRANK LANGFITT, BYLINE: Hey, Adrian. The deadline for removing the name was last night, and I arrived early in the morning. Hundreds of people had gathered in front of the building’s white facade, along the Potomac River, since Friday afternoon. They were there to observe the enforcement of the law after a judge declared the naming illegal without congressional approval.
One observer, Krystal Brewer, a social justice advocate from D.C., remarked on the significance of the action.
KRYSTAL BREWER: “It’s about not being able to do something just because you think you’re the most powerful person and you can defy the courts.”
LANGFITT: Brewer emphasized that removing Trump’s name was a symbolic act of reclaiming Washington from a president who sought to leave a personal imprint on the city.
BREWER: “I wanted to see us get a part of our city back. They’ve been ruining our structures everywhere.”
FLORIDO: Brewer’s comments bring to mind the controversial demolition of the East Wing of the White House. Is that what she’s referring to?
LANGFITT: Yes, and more. She’s also talking about the large banners featuring Trump’s face on federal buildings, the UFC octagon on the White House lawn for Trump’s birthday, and the proposed triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial.
FLORIDO: Did the crowd witness the removal of Trump’s name?
LANGFITT: No, and this was the intriguing part. Scaffolding was erected, but early in the morning, workers draped a tarp over the operation, preventing onlookers from seeing the removal. This angered the crowd, who accused the workers of a “cover-up” and labeled them as cowards.
Mary Foltz, a nurse from Northern Virginia, expressed her frustration.
MARY FOLTZ: “Like, there’s lack of transparency, and that’s just the epitome of it. This is a meme.”
LANGFITT: The Kennedy Center later confirmed that Trump’s name was indeed removed from both the building and the website.
FLORIDO: How did the Trump administration respond?
LANGFITT: They appealed the judge’s decision, arguing that Trump’s name drew donors and was vital for fundraising the Kennedy Center’s renovation. However, a higher court dismissed their appeal.
FLORIDO: NPR’s Frank Langfitt, thank you for your report.
LANGFITT: Happy to do it, Adrian.
Accuracy and availability of NPR transcripts may vary. Transcript text may be revised to correct errors or match updates to audio. Audio on npr.org may be edited after its original broadcast or publication. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
