Kennedy Center Board Votes to Close Amid Trump Naming Dispute
Sandego.net – The Kennedy Center board votes to close the Washington, DC, performing arts institution for renovations after a turbulent meeting that included a phone call from President Donald Trump. The decision came as a legal dispute over proposals to add Trump’s name to the memorial to President John F. Kennedy continues.
People familiar with the meeting described a heated exchange between Trump and Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democratic ex-officio board member who has challenged the naming plans in court. Trump criticized Beatty’s role in the lawsuit, while Beatty blamed him for the institution’s financial troubles, according to one person familiar with the call.
“It was f**king crazy.”
Federal Judge Stops Proposed Trump Memorial Changes
The closure vote followed a ruling by US District Judge Casey Cooper that blocked the board’s latest effort to associate Trump’s name with the Kennedy Center. The proposal included a new facade inscription recognizing Trump for restoration work and a change to the campus name.
Cooper ruled that trustees cannot install memorials at the Kennedy Center without approval from Congress. He said the proposal conflicted with federal law governing the institution as well as an earlier court order.
“Simply put, Defendants cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congress’s blessing,” Cooper wrote.
The judge’s decision does not by itself authorize a shutdown. A previous order requires the Kennedy Center to remain open while Beatty’s lawsuit proceeds, meaning the board must first seek a modification of that requirement before closing the facility. Justice Department lawyers are expected to request relief by Friday.
Renovation Plan Tied to Appeals Court Ruling
After the Kennedy Center board votes to close, Trump said the closure could begin immediately but argued that reconstruction work cannot start until the DC Circuit rules on the board-approved name. In a Truth Social post, he said the renovation depends on the outcome of the appeal.
“The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name,” Trump said.
Trump said an unfavorable ruling that survives Supreme Court review would prevent the renovation from moving forward. He also said Justice Department attorneys would seek an expedited appeal and that $17 million he raised had been placed in the Kennedy Center’s account to support its financial position.
Facade Inscription and Fundraising Plan Remain Unresolved
The dispute includes an August 13 board resolution proposing the words “Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump” on the building’s facade. Trustees had planned to add the inscription this month, but their lawyers later said the work would be delayed until October 8 while the court considered its legality.
Cooper did not decide every part of the resolution. He postponed action on “The Trump Kennedy Center Fund,” which would receive its own inscription after the endowment reaches $100 million. Since no money has been raised for that fund, the judge said the issue was premature.
The court ordered the parties to notify it if the $100 million goal is reached. The board would also have to provide at least 60 days’ notice before installing text connected to that fundraising target.
Kennedy Center Closure FAQ
Will the Kennedy Center close immediately? Not necessarily. Although the Kennedy Center board votes to close for renovations, an existing court order requires the institution to stay open while the lawsuit continues unless that order is changed.
Why is the closure being challenged? The legal fight concerns efforts to add Trump’s name or commemorative language to the federally governed Kennedy Center memorial without congressional authorization.
What does this mean for Washington-area visitors? The timing and scope of any closure remain uncertain because the court must address the existing requirement that the center stay open. Patrons should monitor the institution’s official communications for updates on performances and access.
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