Thousands formed a human chain around the closed center Friday evening, Sept. 18, in a protest organizers called "Hands Around the Kennedy Center." Trump said the $257 million renovation Congress ordered will not proceed unless the D.C. Circuit or the Supreme Court overturns the ruling that barred his name. He called Judge Christopher Cooper "conflicted" and "very hostile." The Trump-aligned board had voted days earlier to shut the building indefinitely.
Catch up
Sep. 18 — A federal judge blocked the return of Trump's name to the Kennedy Center. He also ordered 30 days' notice before any major physical change, including demolition. Hours later, the Trump-aligned board voted to close the building indefinitely for repairs.
- Congress made the center by statute the "sole national memorial" to President Kennedy in Washington. That is why courts say only Congress can rename it.
- The center opened in 1971 with the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein's Mass.
- Fresh layoffs have begun while the main building stays dark.