The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts missed a court-ordered deadline Friday evening to remove U.S. President Donald Trump's name from its facade. The government, represented by the Department of Justice, requested a 12-hour extension until noon on Saturday, June 13, 2026, citing safety concerns for workers due to thunderstorms in Washington, D.C.

A federal appeals court on Friday evening denied the Department of Justice's request for an administrative stay of the original court order. This decision came after a last-minute filing from the Trump administration seeking to block the removal of the name from the prominent performing arts institution.

Despite the missed deadline, crews were observed working on scaffolding near the section of the building bearing Trump's name late Friday. The removal is still anticipated to be completed by Saturday morning. The government's filings argued that removing the name would negatively impact fundraising efforts, hinder necessary repairs, and create public confusion.

In earlier proceedings, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper denied the Department of Justice's request to lift the order. Judge Cooper stated that the administration had not demonstrated irreparable harm if the removal proceeded as ordered. He also pointed to the prior removal of Trump's name from the Kennedy Center's website and YouTube page as evidence that the administration would not suffer irreparable injury by complying with the full order.

The legal battle stems from an order requiring the removal of President Trump's name from the center. The Trump administration had contended that the president was uniquely positioned to both oversee rebuilding efforts and secure operational funding, suggesting the building could face financial and structural collapse if the name were removed.

Earlier on Friday, a lower court judge had already rejected the Justice Department's attempt to halt the order. The administration's argument for a stay was based on the premise of irreparable harm, a claim that was not substantiated to the satisfaction of the court.

The name "Trump" had previously been removed from the Kennedy Center's digital platforms, including its official website and YouTube channel, in the lead-up to the building facade deadline.

As of late Friday night, the physical removal of the lettering from the building's exterior remained incomplete, though work was ongoing and expected to conclude the following morning.