Kennedy Center Shutdown Lawsuit: Board To Decide Between Full Closure, Limited Programming or Phased Reopening

The Kennedy Center is considering multiple options for its future operations after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to close the performing arts institution for renovations through 2028.

In a court filing submitted Friday, Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca said the board will meet in mid-July to decide whether to pursue a full closure, a partial closure with limited public access and programming, or a phased closure that would allow more performances to continue while repairs are carried out.

The latest development stems from a lawsuit filed by Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio. Last month, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to remain open and reversed an effort to rename the institution after President Donald Trump. Who Is Judge Angel Kelley? Federal Judge Orders Trump Administration To Restore Removed National Park History Displays.

According to the filing, the Trump administration told the court that the Kennedy Center is still evaluating how to proceed with planned capital repairs. Justice Department attorneys requested additional time to respond to Beatty's claims and proposed filing a joint status report after the board's next meeting.

Beatty's legal team accused government officials of effectively implementing a shutdown through inaction. The attorneys argued that Kennedy Center programming has been significantly reduced and urged the court to require weekly updates on efforts to restore performances and public operations. ‘These Federal Judges Are Really Giving Us a Hard Time’: Donald Trump Slams Court System After USD 100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Struck Down (Watch Video).

The dispute also continues over the institution's name. Following Cooper's order, references to Trump's name were removed from the Kennedy Center's signage, website, communications and trademark applications. However, a tarp continues to cover part of the building's facade where the signage had been displayed.

The judge ruled that the Kennedy Center's board lacked authority to rename the institution without congressional approval, writing that only Congress has the power to change the center's official name. Cooper also criticized the board's decision to approve a two-year closure, saying it failed to properly balance its responsibilities to the institution.

The board, which was reshaped by Trump after he returned to office, had unanimously elected him as chair and voted to rename the venue The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. A federal appeals court later declined to pause Cooper's ruling, allowing the removal of Trump's name from the institution to proceed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 20, 2026 07:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).