Trump vows to delay Kennedy Center renovation until courts allow his name on venue

Published September 15, 2026 2:46pm ET | Updated September 15, 2026 4:34pm ET



The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted to close the performing arts center in Washington immediately, citing safety reasons, according to President Donald Trump.

“The Board of The Kennedy Center today agreed, almost unanimously, to close the Building for Safety reasons, and so that it can begin the process of Reconstruction,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name.”

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