Workers behind a tarp at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, after it was announced that its board decided to rename the institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 19, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
President Donald Trump's hand-picked board of appointees at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted this week to add the president's name to the building. And it appears they're already at work doing so.
CNN and Reuters confirmed on Friday that work is already being done on the signage on the outside of the building less than 24 hours after the board voted to change the name.
A large blue tarp was strung up between the large pillars, partially shielding some work being done behind it. Two bucket-lifts hoisted a group of workers up to the letters.
Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) posted photos a source texted him of the physical change to the sign.
"If that’s correct, this needs to stop as it’s illegal to change without Congress," he warned.
CNN's Edward-Isaac Dovere pointed out on X that while Kennedy Center already has "struggling finances," it appears they "already had new signs made and delivered to install."
"The separation of powers fight that's at once totally absurd and wholly predictable," said Politico's Jonathan Martin on X.
Someone just texted me these photos. They say it shows work taking place right now to physically change the sign on the Kennedy Center. If that’s correct, this needs to stop as it’s illegal to change without Congress. pic.twitter.com/JINJ7RJCei
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) December 19, 2025