Judge Blocks Trump Kennedy Center Name; Board Closes Facilities

A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump and the Kennedy Center’s Trump-appointed board from adding or restoring his name to the institution without congressional approval, while separately ordering the center to provide at least 30 days’ written notice before major renovation changes, including demolition of the main building. The Trump-led board voted to close the center for renovations, but management now describes the immediate shutdown as a temporary, seven-day closure for emergency safety repairs rather than the previously announced two-year closure. The order requires the center to submit a detailed report on the closure and repairs by Sept. 23, after Rep. Joyce Beatty’s legal team alleged the administration may be evading an earlier order requiring the center to remain open. The judge’s order followed Trump’s remarks that the landmark could be “ripped down” and photographs showing him examining a poster labeled “Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED,” though the image does not establish that demolition plans were approved. Trump and his allies cite severe infrastructure and financial problems, while opponents say the closure and demolition discussion are linked to his effort to rename the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Arts after himself.