US President Donald Trump threatened on September 15, 2026, to keep the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts closed permanently after a federal judge ruled that his name cannot be added to the institution's facade. Trump stated that his appointed board voted "almost unanimously" to shut the venue for emergency renovations, which he claimed cannot commence until a higher court decides on the potential renaming of the center. He expressed on his Truth Social network that if the ruling is unfavorable and not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, renovations would not proceed.
The Kennedy Center responded, stating that the board's decision prioritizes safety. Trump, who became chairman of the center shortly after beginning his second term, had previously pushed for the center to be renamed the "Trump-Kennedy" Center. However, US federal judge Christopher Cooper ruled that Trump's name cannot be added, emphasizing that any memorial installations require Congressional approval.
During a board meeting, Trump criticized a Democratic congresswoman involved in the lawsuit that blocked the renaming. The Kennedy Center's ongoing renovations are part of several projects associated with Trump's branding in Washington, including a proposed triumphal arch and a ballroom at the White House. Following a storm, Trump cited safety concerns regarding the building's condition, claiming that a piece of the ceiling fell and could have harmed visitors. He indicated that the center might need to be demolished if renovation plans are obstructed. Reports suggest that ticket sales at the Kennedy Center have significantly declined, with several artists canceling performances in response to Trump's involvement.