Kennedy Center board votes to close for renovations and add Trump’s name again, lawmaker says
Kennedy Center Board Votes to Close for Renovations Amid Legal Controversy
Tyunews.com – The Kennedy Center board votes to close the iconic Washington, D.C. performing arts venue for a two-year renovation period, while simultaneously moving to restore President Donald Trump's name to the building's exterior facade. Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty, who serves as an ex-officio member of the board, announced the decision Thursday in a formal statement. The board, composed largely of appointees selected by President Trump, approved both measures during its recent meeting.
According to Beatty's statement, the renovated facade will display the inscription: "The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts Restored and Renovated By President Donald J. Trump." Additionally, an outdoor plaza area will bear the designation "The President Donald J. Trump Plaza." Beatty characterized the dual decisions as consistent with recent board actions that she believes undermine established legal precedents.
"This morning's decision to close the Center and the surprise agenda item to put Donald Trump's name back on the building was more of the same," Beatty stated. "This latest development is a transparent effort to circumvent the Court's ruling, and flies in the face of the statutes that Congress passed. I will continue to fight for this treasured national monument."
Legal Challenges and Board Accountability
The board's decision comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny from U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper, who previously ordered Trump's name removed from the Kennedy Center in May. Cooper cited a 1964 congressional statute that prohibits adding "memorials or plaques in the nature of memorials" to the institution. The board is now required to report to Judge Cooper within five days regarding the outcome of Thursday's meeting, including plans for the tarp currently covering the building's facade.
Norm Eisen, attorney representing Beatty, emphasized that the board's actions contradict previous judicial findings. "A federal judge already rejected the board's unlawful attempt to rename the Kennedy Center, and told Donald Trump's handpicked board that its last closure vote was ill-informed and preordained," Eisen said. "Today's vote is more of the same, and a show of blatant disrespect to the courts."
Cooper's May ruling invalidated the board's March vote to begin renovations, finding that trustees essentially rubber-stamped a hastily prepared plan without adequately considering impacts on programming and finances. The judge suggested that trustees could satisfy their fiduciary duties by implementing a more comprehensive renovation strategy.
Renovation Scope and Public Impact
The two-year closure will affect thousands of visitors and performers who regularly use the Kennedy Center's multiple venues. The institution, established as a living memorial following President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, hosts approximately 2,000 performances annually across its concert hall, opera house, and theater spaces. The renovation is expected to modernize facilities while preserving the building's architectural heritage.
White House assistant press secretary Liz Huston defended the board's actions in a brief statement. "Under President Trump's bold leadership, the Kennedy Center is on its way to becoming the finest cultural institution anywhere in the world," Huston said. The administration has consistently supported the board's efforts to enhance the venue's global standing through both physical improvements and symbolic changes.
Visitors planning to attend performances during the renovation period should expect limited access to certain venues and potential schedule adjustments. The board has indicated that some programming will continue in alternative locations throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Detailed information about specific venue closures and performance rescheduling will be announced as the renovation timeline progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Kennedy Center closure begin? The closure is scheduled to begin following the board's approval, with a two-year renovation period expected to conclude in 2028.
What is the total cost of the renovations? While exact figures have not been finalized, the board is developing a comprehensive budget that will be reported to Judge Cooper within five days of the vote.
Will any performances continue during the closure? Some programming will continue in alternative venues throughout the Washington, D.C. area, though specific schedules are still being finalized.
Why is Trump's name being added again? The board is pursuing a new approach to adding Trump's name that they believe complies with Judge Cooper's May ruling, which invalidated their previous attempt.
What happens if the board fails to comply with the court order? Judge Cooper has indicated he will monitor the board's compliance closely. Failure to follow the five-day reporting requirement or subsequent orders could result in additional legal consequences.
For more updates on the Kennedy Center renovations and related developments, readers can follow ABC News coverage of this ongoing story.