The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted on September 15, 2026, to immediately close the performing arts venue following a federal judge's ruling that President Trump's name could not be restored to its facade. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper's preliminary injunction must be lifted for the closure to proceed, which is expected to face legal challenges. Trump has indicated he may block renovations if his name is not reinstated, stating on Truth Social that the renovation will not occur without his recognition.
The board's decision follows a report claiming the center is in severe financial distress and may soon be unable to meet payroll and maintenance obligations. The draft resolution presented to the board suggested that Trump's involvement is crucial for financial support. Judge Cooper ruled that memorials for Trump cannot be installed without Congressional approval.
The board's vote to close the venue for a two-year, $250 million renovation comes after previous court rulings prevented efforts to rename the center. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member, has opposed the name change and filed legal documents to block it, arguing that the center's management has suffered due to the attempts to rename it. Beatty's lawyers have contested the claims regarding the center's safety and financial status, asserting that past maintenance issues did not require closure.
The Kennedy Center will continue to offer programming at its Reach expansion and will host events like the Kennedy Center Honors offsite during the closure. The ongoing legal disputes stem from Trump's appointment as chairman of the board in February 2025, which led to significant changes and a decline in audience engagement.
The Kennedy Center has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the closure.