"The announcement came after President Trump said he would cancel a $257 million renovation of the venue if his name is not returned to the building."
"Simmering turmoil over the future of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts boiled over on Tuesday as the center abruptly closed to the public and President Trump threatened to cancel a planned $257 million renovation if his name was not returned to the front of the building.
Allies of Mr. Trump have been pushing for months to close the center for major renovations and to honor the president by affixing his name to its marble facade. A federal judge has blocked both efforts.
On Tuesday, the center aggressively tested the judge’s order not to close by shutting its doors in what officials called an emergency action designed to protect people from deteriorating conditions inside the building. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., employees heard a sudden notice on the P.A. system: “The center is now closed to the public. Please exit the center by way of the Hall of States.”
By the evening, security guards stationed outside entrances to the main lobby were turning people away. One officer said the building had just closed."
Julia Jacobs and Zach Montague report for the New York Times September. 15, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
"Kennedy Center Board Votes To Close It, As Judge Again Keeps Trump's Name Off" (NPR)
