- Kennedy Center board has voted to close the venue for renovations.
- Trump announced the closure of the Kennedy Center following a name ruling.
President Donald Trump announced the closure of the Kennedy Center in Washington, citing financial issues and the need for renovations. The decision follows a federal judge's ruling that blocked the return of Trump's name to the building.12
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that renovations would only proceed if the board permitted the addition of his name. He warned, "If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the US Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place."
The Kennedy Center, named after former president John F. Kennedy, is known for hosting a variety of performances across theatre, dance, and music. The US administration has emphasized the need for repairs and modernization of the complex, which is located on the Potomac River.
Trump's name was controversially added to the center in December, leading to protests and cancellations by various performers and groups. Following his inauguration, Trump dismissed several members of the center's board and assumed control of its leadership.
“In a Truth Social post, Trump said the closure was needed for renovations, but the work would only proceed if the board allowed his name to be added to the building. This condition ties the venue's future to a personal naming demand.”
