Fencing was erected around the main Kennedy Center building on September 16, 2026, following a vote by the board, which is aligned with former President Donald Trump, to close most of the performing arts center for repairs. Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democratic trustee, sought an emergency court hearing to challenge what she termed the "unlawful closing." This decision came after a federal judge blocked the institution from reinstating Trump's name on the building.
Trump stated via social media that the closure was necessary for safety repairs, which Congress has allocated $257 million to fund, contingent upon the board's approval to add his name to the building. Activists opposing the closure reported that there was no vehicle or pedestrian access to the building on the day of the closure. An Associated Press reporter was informed by security that the building was closed.
Rep. Beatty requested the emergency court hearing regarding what she described as Trump's "unlawful closure of the Kennedy Center." She has been actively working to prevent Trump's name from being added to the building and had a verbal confrontation with him during a virtual board meeting the previous day.
Beatty's legal team reported that a staff member was denied entry to the building, with security confirming the closure. The court filing expressed concerns that the closure could be a tactic to limit public access and evade legal scrutiny.
Laura Bligh, an activist with the group "Hands Off the Arts," voiced fears that parts of the building could be demolished before the legal case is resolved. She expressed distrust in the Trump administration's intentions, referencing previous demolitions under his leadership.
The Kennedy Center board had voted in August to inscribe Trump's name on the facade, contingent on the Trump Kennedy Center Fund reaching $100 million. However, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that no actions could proceed without Congressional approval.
Roma Daravi, a spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, stated on social media that the building's closure was necessary due to safety concerns, citing a recent partial ceiling collapse. She emphasized the need for immediate renovations due to ongoing infrastructure issues.
Maria Shriver, niece of John F. Kennedy, criticized the situation, calling it a "sad state of affairs" and lamented Trump's focus on his name being associated with the building dedicated to her uncle's memory.