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POLITICS

Inside the Kennedy Center amid Trump's push to have name inscribed

Updated Sept. 16, 2026, 1:54 p.m. ET
A visitor walks through the Hall of States at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center from adding President Donald Trump's name to its facade Tuesday, as the center's board separately voted to immediately close its main building amid financial and structural concerns. Trump threw a "tantrum" during a Kennedy Center board meeting when he learned that a federal judge blocked his administration's latest effort to put his name on the institution's building, according to a Democratic congresswoman who serves on the board. Shortly before the board met, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center's plan to add an inscription below the building's sign to honor Trump's financial contributions violates federal law and the judge's previous ruling in May ordering the Kennedy Center to remove Trump's name from the center's title and signage.
A visitor walks through the Hall of States at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center from adding President Donald Trump's name to its facade Tuesday, as the center's board separately voted to immediately close its main building amid financial and structural concerns.

Trump threw a "tantrum" during a Kennedy Center board meeting when he learned that a federal judge blocked his administration's latest effort to put his name on the institution's building, according to a Democratic congresswoman who serves on the board. Shortly before the board met, U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the Kennedy Center's plan to add an inscription below the building's sign to honor Trump's financial contributions violates federal law and the judge's previous ruling in May ordering the Kennedy Center to remove Trump's name from the center's title and signage.
Andrew Harnik, Getty Images
A general view during the 44th Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington U.S, December 5, 2021. The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to immediately close the bulk of the iconic institution Sept. 15, 2026, as it prepares for renovations pushed by Trump and his administration. The action from the board ā€’ composed primarily of members handpicked by Trump ā€’ came during a closed-door meeting on Zoom, according to a source with direct knowledge of the vote. Yet whether the center can remain shuttered will likely be decided by a federal judge. The action tests U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper's order from May blocking a previous board vote in March to close the Kennedy Center. Justice Department attorneys are asking the judge to vacate a preliminary junction he granted that kept the center open.
A general view during the 44th Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington U.S, December 5, 2021. The board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted to immediately close the bulk of the iconic institution Sept. 15, 2026, as it prepares for renovations pushed by Trump and his administration.The action from the board ā€’ composed primarily of members handpicked by Trump ā€’ came during a closed-door meeting on Zoom, according to a source with direct knowledge of the vote. Yet whether the center can remain shuttered will likely be decided by a federal judge. The action tests U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Cooper's order from May blocking a previous board vote in March to close the Kennedy Center. Justice Department attorneys are asking the judge to vacate a preliminary junction he granted that kept the center open.
TOM BRENNER, REUTERS
An official portrait of U.S. Trump hangs in the Hall of Nations at the Kennedy Center , which the Trump administration argued in a court filing could eventually face demolition if major repairs are not undertaken, in Washington, D.C., August 26, 2026.
An official portrait of U.S. Trump hangs in the Hall of Nations at the Kennedy Center, which the Trump administration argued in a court filing could eventually face demolition if major repairs are not undertaken, in Washington, D.C., August 26, 2026.
Jonathan Ernst, REUTERS
President Donald Trump looks down from the Presidential Box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as he participates in a guided tour and leads a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. After shunning the annual Kennedy Center Honors during his first term in the White House, Trump fired the centerā€™s president, removed the bipartisan board of Biden appointees and named himself Chairman of the storied music, theater and dance institution.
President Donald Trump looks down from the Presidential Box in the Opera House at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as he participates in a guided tour and leads a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. After shunning the annual Kennedy Center Honors during his first term in the White House, Trump fired the centerā€™s president, removed the bipartisan board of Biden appointees and named himself Chairman of the storied music, theater and dance institution.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
A security guard walks through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which was recently renamed the "Trump Kennedy Center," in Washington, DC, on December 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump's name was affixed to the Kennedy Center in Washington on December 19, 2025, one day after his hand-picked board members voted to rename the arts venue in spite of legal questions.
A security guard walks through the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which was recently renamed the "Trump Kennedy Center," in Washington, DC, on December 26, 2025. US President Donald Trump's name was affixed to the Kennedy Center in Washington on December 19, 2025, one day after his hand-picked board members voted to rename the arts venue in spite of legal questions.
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AFP Via Getty Images
A bust of John F Kennedy is seen inside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on February 3, 2024.
A bust of John F Kennedy is seen inside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on February 3, 2024.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
The main ticket office in the Hall of States at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center from adding President Donald Trump's name to its facade Tuesday, as the center's board separately voted to immediately close its main building amid financial and structural concerns.
The main ticket office in the Hall of States at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 15, 2026 in Washington, DC. A federal judge blocked the Kennedy Center from adding President Donald Trump's name to its facade Tuesday, as the center's board separately voted to immediately close its main building amid financial and structural concerns.
Andrew Harnik, Getty Images
Surayya Nkosi finds a quiet spot to work on a choreography in the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center, which the Trump administration argued in a court filing could eventually face demolition if major repairs are not undertaken, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 26, 2026.
Surayya Nkosi finds a quiet spot to work on a choreography in the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center, which the Trump administration argued in a court filing could eventually face demolition if major repairs are not undertaken, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 26, 2026.
Jonathan Ernst, REUTERS
Award recipients are recognized at The Lincoln Awards: A Concert For Veterans & The Military Family presented by The Friars Foundation at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 7, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Award recipients are recognized at The Lincoln Awards: A Concert For Veterans & The Military Family presented by The Friars Foundation at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 7, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Paul Morigi/Getty Images For The Friars Club
Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter addresses journalists and guests inside the River Pavilion at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. More than two years late and $100 million over its original cost, The REACH will include outdoor public space with a video wall, a theater, large event spaces, a 69,000-square-foot green roof and workspaces named for important concepts in the life of President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jaqueline Kennedy.
Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter addresses journalists and guests inside the River Pavilion at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. More than two years late and $100 million over its original cost, The REACH will include outdoor public space with a video wall, a theater, large event spaces, a 69,000-square-foot green roof and workspaces named for important concepts in the life of President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jaqueline Kennedy.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter (R) talks with journalists inside the Welcome Lobby at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. More than two years late and $100 million over its original cost, The REACH will include outdoor public space with a video wall, a theater, large event spaces, a 69,000-square-foot green roof and workspaces named for important concepts in the life of President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jaqueline Kennedy.
Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter (R) talks with journalists inside the Welcome Lobby at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. More than two years late and $100 million over its original cost, The REACH will include outdoor public space with a video wall, a theater, large event spaces, a 69,000-square-foot green roof and workspaces named for important concepts in the life of President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jaqueline Kennedy.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Education Artist-In-Residence Mo Willems (R) supervises a rehearsal of his new musical 'Donā€™t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' inside Studio K at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Education Artist-In-Residence Mo Willems (R) supervises a rehearsal of his new musical 'Donā€™t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' inside Studio K at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
Students work inside the Macaroni Classroom at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Students work inside the Macaroni Classroom at the nearly finished REACH, an expansion of the Kennedy Center's performance, rehearsal and work space May 29, 2019 in Washington, DC.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is reflected on a glass pane in Washington, DC on February 3, 2024.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is reflected on a glass pane in Washington, DC on February 3, 2024.
ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP Via Getty Images
A performance takes place during the 2024 ADL ā€œIn Concert Against Hateā€ at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on November 18, 2024 in Washington, DC.
A performance takes place during the 2024 ADL ā€œIn Concert Against Hateā€ at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on November 18, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Jemal Countess, Getty Images For Anti-Defamation League
President Donald Trump (C) presides over a board meeting at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025. Trump is visiting the Kennedy Center in Washington for the first time since his stunning takeover of the top arts venue that he branded too "woke." Trump will lead a board meeting at the venue, where he installed himself as chairman and ousted the leadership a month ago as part of his broader blitz on almost every aspect of American life.
President Donald Trump (C) presides over a board meeting at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on March 17, 2025. Trump is visiting the Kennedy Center in Washington for the first time since his stunning takeover of the top arts venue that he branded too "woke." Trump will lead a board meeting at the venue, where he installed himself as chairman and ousted the leadership a month ago as part of his broader blitz on almost every aspect of American life.
JIM WATSON, AFP Via Getty Images
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts is seen on December 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that the Board of the Kennedy Center will rename the building to the Trump-Kennedy center.
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts is seen on December 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on X that the Board of the Kennedy Center will rename the building to the Trump-Kennedy center.
Heather Diehl, Getty Images
The name of the ā€œJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" now includes "The Donald J. Trump" as seen on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility ā€œThe Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Artsā€.
The name of the ā€œJohn F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts" now includes "The Donald J. Trump" as seen on December 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted in what they say was a unanimous decision to rename the facility ā€œThe Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Artsā€.
Heather Diehl, Getty Images
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