Workers removed President Donald Trump’s name from the exterior of the Kennedy Center early today following a federal court order, concluding a legal and political fight over the naming of the historic performing arts venue.

The removal came after government attorneys sought additional time to comply with a court-imposed deadline. Lawyers representing the Kennedy Center asked a federal judge late Friday for a 12-hour extension beyond the original 11:59 p.m. deadline, citing weather-related safety concerns and noting that the work would likely be completed during the overnight hours.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper approved the request Saturday morning and directed the administration to submit evidence of compliance by noon.

Court filings submitted shortly before 11 a.m. confirmed that the administration had complied with the judge’s order.

According to live video feeds, work crews began assembling scaffolding around the sign shortly after 2 a.m. A large covering was then placed over the work area, preventing the public from viewing the removal process. The covering remained in place through much of Saturday morning.

The removal proceeded after an appellate court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt by Kennedy Center officials to block the order.

Since returning to office, Trump has taken a highly active role in the institution, replacing its leadership team and overseeing the appointment of a new board of trustees that later selected him as chairman. His name was added to the center’s website and exterior signage last year. Trump has also advocated shutting down the center for two years to undergo major renovations, a proposal that has faced legal challenges.

The lawsuit was brought by Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who serves as an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board and sought to prevent both the renaming of the institution and its proposed closure.

Judge Cooper, who was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama, ruled in Beatty’s favor and ordered that Trump’s name be removed from the building by Friday night.

In a final appeal filed this week, Kennedy Center officials argued that removing Trump’s name could have serious financial consequences.

The board warned that taking off the Trump name “threatens to substantially undermine fundraising and financial viability at the most sensitive point in its history.”

Cooper rejected that argument, finding that the center had failed to demonstrate that it would suffer irreparable harm if the court denied its request.

Beatty welcomed the outcome in a statement released shortly after the removal was completed.

“Today’s victory is the beginning of returning the Kennedy Center to the American people,” the lawmaker said.

She added, “The rule of law prevailed, and that is worth celebrating,” she continued. “Let this send a message across the country: when we stand up, fight back, and defend our democracy, we can win. This is just the beginning.”