Trump gets another win in Kennedy Center fight as board makes move despite judge’s rebuke
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump-led board for the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has reportedly voted for Trump’s plan to close the Center for renovations.
A federal judge on May 29, 2026, blocked the Trump administration’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for a multi-year renovation, ruling the board's vote was "ill-informed and seemingly preordained".
Kennedy Centre board again votes to close centre for renovation
According to a New York Times report, citing people familiar with the voting, the board vote will now need to be approved by a federal judge after a ruling that the board had been “derelict” in vetting the original closure plan.
If the board’s decision is approved by the federal judge, it would close the Kennedy Center’s main building. A newer addition called The Reach would remain open for limited operations, and some limited outdoor programming may continue.
The decision, made by a board largely composed of President Donald Trump’s allies, amounts to a doubling down on the institution’s initial plan, so changes could be made that leaders said were necessary for safety.
According to the board’s resolution, they are committed to educational and arts programming going during the partial closure.
Critics have raised concerns that Trump plans to drastically change the Centre, as the president is set to reimagine Washington from his perspective.
US District Judge Christopher Cooper in May blocked a closure that was set to take effect July 5. While it is not confirmed, the board’s decision is likely to ignite another round of legal challenges.
Trump announces to renovate Kennedy Centre
Trump announced in February a plan to close the Kennedy Center for renovations that would take two years.
President announced his renovation plan in a Truth Social post, advocating the closure of the Centre.
Trump said that keeping the Kennedy Center open during construction would slow the work down and reduce its quality. He believes temporarily closing it will allow workers to rebuild and renovate it faster and to a higher standard, ultimately making it one of the best performing arts centers in the world.
Trump, who leads the board, quickly got approval for the massive $250 million renovation project, which includes major structural work, marble floor additions, and more.
