2026-09-1622brief

[UPDATE] The Kennedy Center will close for two years after a judge voided the vote to put Trump's name on it

Trump said the $285 million rebuild will wait until a court clears his name.

The board, stocked with Trump appointees, had voted to attach his name to the building as part of the $285 million renovation. Judge Christopher Cooper then ruled only Congress can add memorials to it — and the board voted to shut the hall instead, citing a Sept. 4 ceiling collapse.

On Sept. 15, the Kennedy Center board prepared to vote on 10 naming options — or on closing the building.

  • Congress gave $257 million for the $285 million job.
  • The board has voted three times since February to shut the 55-year-old hall for two years.
  • Joyce Beatty (Rep-D Ohio) filed the lawsuit that won Cooper's 22-page ruling.