Kennedy Center Board Approves Two‑Year Shutdown as Judge Bars Trump Name

The Kennedy Center board voted on Monday to close the performing‑arts venue for a period of two years. The vote was announced just as a U.S. federal judge issued an order that stops the centre from putting former President Donald J. Trump’s name back on its front façade. The judge had already, in May, ordered the removal of Trump’s name that had been added earlier and blocked a planned temporary shutdown for renovation work. The board, which is chaired by Trump and includes several of his cabinet members and close allies, had in August approved a resolution calling for the inscription “Renovated and Restored by President Donald J. Trump” to be placed on the building. The judge’s latest ruling came at the same time as the board’s announcement, meaning the proposed signage cannot be installed. Because the judge also barred the short‑term renovation closure, the centre must remain open while the legal dispute continues.