Trump announces immediate closure of Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump announced the immediate closure of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., saying the move was driven by security concerns and urgent renovation needs. He posted the announcement on his social network, Truth Social.

Board seeks to add Trump’s name; court has intervened

The decision follows a long-running dispute over whether the center should carry the president’s name. In December 2025, Mr. Trump’s name was temporarily added to the institution’s name. The board overseeing the Kennedy Center — whose membership was reshaped by Mr. Trump after he removed several members and took the chair — has since tried to make the change permanent and to display a new dedication on the building’s façade.

In May, a court ruled that the renaming was illegal and blocked a planned two-year shutdown of the center that officials said was needed for renovation. After that ruling the new lettering was removed and the Kennedy Center filed an appeal. The board then announced it would mount a different inscription reading: "Renovated and restored by Donald J. Trump." A judge blocked that effort on Tuesday; shortly afterward the board voted to close the facility.

The December 2025 renaming triggered public backlash: numerous artists canceled scheduled performances, and both ticket sales and donations fell sharply. The Kennedy Center, named for the slain U.S. president John F. Kennedy, now faces closure while the legal fight continues and while the board insists renovations are necessary.

Administration officials cited security and immediate repairs when announcing the closure. The center’s legal appeal is pending in an appellate court, which must weigh whether the board can proceed with its renaming plans or whether only Congress has the authority to change the institution’s name.

Photo: press material from the event