Trump-aligned Kennedy Center board votes to close immediately for renovations, source says

In February 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to rid the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. of what he termed "woke culture," claiming it was necessary to run the institution properly. However, in May 2026, a federal judge ruled that renaming the center after Trump was illegal, forcing him to abandon his plans.

In response to this legal setback and financial strain, the Kennedy Center's board chaired by Trump is now considering adding his name back to the building facade through various inscriptions, such as "Renovation Restoration and Endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump." The center faces imminent fiscal collapse without significant fundraising support, which they argue only Trump can provide on a large scale.

The Kennedy Center's board members, many recently appointed by Trump himself, are scheduled to vote this week on 10 options for reinstating his name and recognition. Critics like Ohio Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty view these efforts as a transparent attempt to circumvent the federal court order preventing such changes. The institution is reportedly at risk of closing as early as Tuesday due to financial insolvency if Trump's name isn't restored, highlighting how political actions have severely impacted its operations and funding stability.