Kennedy Center to Rename Facade, Two-Year Closure

The Kennedy Center board—largely composed of Trump allies and chaired by him—voted to reinstate Donald J. Trump’s name on the building’s façade and to pursue a two-year shutdown of the main campus for a $250 million renovation, despite prior federal court rulings blocking similar moves. The Reach annex would remain open for limited programming. The board approved naming the center with “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump” and discussed renaming surrounding grounds. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper’s May order had removed Trump’s name and blocked the closure, with appellate rulings not yet resolved. Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio trustee and opponent, said the actions flouted court rulings and statutes and pledged to challenge them in court. Supporters described the measures as recognizing Trump’s role in the center’s survival and modernization, while critics warned they undermine the rule of law and court authority.