The Kennedy Center board voted to close the venue for repairs after a federal judge blocked efforts to add President Donald Trump's name to the building.
Key facts
- •Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center board cannot add President Trump's name to the building without congressional authorization.
- •The board voted to close the center immediately, citing structural risks and a recent partial ceiling collapse in the Grand Foyer.
- •President Trump stated that $257 million in renovations will not proceed unless the renaming is upheld by the courts.
- •Congress appropriated $250 million for the project last year, while Trump claims to have raised an additional $17 million for the center.
- •This is the third time since February that the board has voted to close the venue for a two-year renovation period.
The Kennedy Center board voted on Tuesday, September 15, to immediately close the Washington performing arts complex, citing safety concerns and structural issues. The decision followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who rejected the board's latest attempt to add President Donald Trump's name to the building's facade. Trump, who serves as the board's chairman, stated that planned renovations will not proceed unless the renaming is legally permitted.
By the numbers
Legal Dispute Over Renaming
Judge Cooper’s ruling reaffirmed an earlier order requiring the removal of Trump’s name from the exterior, stating that the board cannot install memorials at the center without congressional approval. The board had previously voted in December to rename the institution the "Trump-Kennedy" Center. During a virtual appearance at the board meeting, Trump criticized the legal challenges brought by Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democratic board member who filed the lawsuit against the renaming efforts.
Closure and Renovation Plans
The board cited a partial ceiling collapse in the Grand Foyer as evidence that the building is unsafe for public and employee occupancy. While the board approved a resolution to close the center for two years, Trump indicated that the $257 million renovation project is contingent on the outcome of the naming dispute. He warned that if the ruling is not overturned by higher courts, the reconstruction will not take place. The center’s spokesperson stated that the board intends to appeal the judge's decision.
Timeline
- DecemberThe board voted to rename the venue the Trump-Kennedy Center.
- JuneWorkers removed Trump's name from the building exterior.
- July 5The center was initially scheduled to close for renovations.
- September 15A federal judge blocked the renaming, and the board voted to close the center.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Le Monde (English), France 24, NBC Politics.
