The board of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, has voted to shut down the historic venue, citing a dire financial crisis and critically needed renovations. The decision comes amid a protracted legal standoff over efforts to add President Donald Trump's name to the building.

The board, composed of Trump allies, met on Tuesday just hours after US District Judge Casey Cooper blocked the latest attempt to restore Trump's name to the venue. Judge Cooper ruled that any name change requires congressional approval, dealing another legal defeat to the board.

Trump responded in a social media post, claiming the board voted to close for "safety reasons" and that renovations would not proceed unless his name was added. He described the venue as being "in a virtual state of collapse" and asserted that only he has the ability to raise funds and manage construction.

The ruling follows a Washington Post report that the venue is on the verge of bankruptcy and could close as soon as Tuesday. Trustees argued that adding Trump's name to the facade was the only way to avoid "certain fiscal collapse." Trump hinted at further actions, stating he has "the strength and power of the Presidency" to do what must be done.

Lawyers for Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who sued to block the Trump administration's changes, praised the ruling as a "victory for the memory" of President John F. Kennedy. "Two times the court has told Trump the same thing: You are not above the law," they said. Beatty accused Trump of holding the Kennedy Center "hostage."

The legal battle continues as the board weighs its next steps. Trump's name was first added in December 2025 but was ordered removed in May after Cooper ruled it unlawful. The area remains concealed by tarps and scaffolding.

Source: www.aljazeera.com