Kennedy Center warns of bankruptcy, closure within days unless Trump’s name is added: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is reportedly warning that it could face bankruptcy within weeks unless President Donald Trump helps raise funds, with documents showing officials are tying that assistance to public recognition of his role.
Documents obtained by the Washington Post state that the center’s board is set to consider proposals on Tuesday, September 15, that could include adding Trump’s name to the building’s facade.
Trustees will also consider an immediate closure of the main building over structural safety concerns.
Kennedy Center links funding to Trump recognition
According to a 57-page packet distributed to trustees ahead of the special meeting, center officials have said that the institution is facing “certain fiscal collapse within weeks” and could soon be unable to make payroll, according to the outlet.
The proposed financial resolution states that Trump has offered to “raise the necessary funds to keep the Center from bankruptcy” while the building undergoes a major renovation.
However, the document also says Trump is unlikely to provide “fundamental oversight” of the renovation or lead a financial rescue without “appropriate recognition” of his role.
WaPo: Trustees are being asked to choose among 10 texts that could be placed on the building’s exterior beneath its name, including one reading: “Renovation Restoration and Endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.” https://t.co/ZpHz71FlHO pic.twitter.com/UHEtFHQdFJ
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 14, 2026
Trustees are being asked to select from 10 proposed inscriptions that could be placed on the exterior of the building beneath its existing name. One option reportedly reads, “renovation Restoration and Endowment overseen by President Donald J Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.”
Other proposed language includes “renovated, restored, and sustained through the generosity of President Donald J Trump” and “renovation, oversight, and support provided by President Donald J Trump.”
The center has also faced declining revenue.
Internal budgets and forecasts obtained earlier showed ticket sales and fundraising falling after Trump’s name was added to the building, with officials projecting about $124 million in revenue against a $220 million budget and a roughly $23 million deficit even after spending cuts.
Kennedy Center faces possible closure over safety concerns
The board packet also includes a separate resolution calling for the Kennedy Center’s main building to close immediately because of deteriorating structural conditions.
Executive Director Matt Floca, who was installed by Trump in March, reportedly told trustees that during a severe storm on September 4, a roughly four-by-five-foot section of ceiling plaster broke loose in the Grand Foyer and fell about 60 feet, scattering debris near the Concert Hall entrance. No one was injured.
KENNEDY CENTER storm damage? Around 5pm Friday night, someone at the center says part of the ceiling in the Grand Foyer gave way, likely due to water damage.
— Scott Thuman (@ScottThuman) September 5, 2026
Roma Daravi, Vice President of Public Relations told us:
"Another example of the urgent need to close for renovation… pic.twitter.com/IQ0s6rLrbB
Inspectors subsequently identified at least seven other locations with visible water-related deterioration, according to the documents. The report also noted that ceiling assemblies weighing about 2,500 pounds hang roughly 60 feet above public walkways.
A draft resolution says Floca and Delta Consulting Group determined that the building is “unsafe for continued occupancy” and that delaying renovations would create additional risks to employees and the public.
Trump has also previously proposed closing the Kennedy Center for two years in February, arguing that an empty building would allow crews to complete renovations more quickly.
