The Kennedy Center says it removes President Donald Trump’s name from branding related to its Mark Twain Award for American Humor as it prepares for an upcoming June ceremony honoring Bill Maher. According to multiple reports, the change is reflected in invitations sent to guests on Monday for the Kennedy Center’s annual awards, where Trump’s name is no longer included on the event materials. The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Award for American Humor is being presented to Bill Maher at a June 28 ceremony.
The announcements also identify other participants and guest speakers for the event. The Washington Times reports that John Mellencamp, Jay Leno, and Whitney Cummings are among the speakers attending the ceremony. Coverage notes that Maher’s name remains prominently associated with the Mark Twain Award on the invitations, while Trump’s name is excluded. The reports do not specify the reason for the branding change or whether it affects any other elements of the event beyond the invitation materials.
