The Kennedy Center board voted to close the performing arts venue as a US judge barred the institution from restoring President Donald Trump’s name to the building.
In May, the same judge ordered Trump’s name removed and prohibited the planned temporary closure for proposed renovations.
The board, which is chaired by Trump and includes cabinet members and allies, approved an August resolution calling for the inscription “Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump” to be added to the venue.
Trump announced the name addition, along with other rebranding measures across Washington, D.C., last year.
The judge issued the written order less than an hour before the board voted to close the performing arts venue for two years. It was the third time the board had approved a closure since February, amid legal challenges to Trump’s efforts to take greater control of the institution and memorial.
In February 2025, Trump replaced several trustees, appointed himself to the board and was subsequently elected chairman.
In December, the board voted to rename the institution. The following day, new lettering bearing Trump’s full name was installed on the centre’s front portico.
The changes, including the renaming, were followed by artist cancellations and declining ticket sales.