Kennedy Center board votes to close it, as judge again keeps Trump's name off

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Published: 2026-09-15T21:40:17.511Z • Permanent link

Kennedy Center's board has voted to close the historic arts center, citing concerns over financial and structural problems. The decision comes after a judge again refused to remove Donald Trump's name from the center's name, which has been a contentious issue since 2020. The board's decision is expected to have significant implications for the arts community, particularly in the United States.

Mary Elizabeth Marshall, chair of the Kennedy Center's board, stated that the decision was made after a thorough review of the center's financial situation. "We have been facing significant financial challenges in recent years, and despite efforts to address these issues, we have been unable to find a viable solution," she said. The center's financial struggles have been well-documented, with reports of declining revenue and increasing costs.

Trump, who donated $10 million to the center in 2016, had requested that the board remove his name from the institution's title. However, the judge's decision to keep his name intact has been met with criticism from some who feel that it is an affront to the arts community. The Kennedy Center's board has stated that it will appeal the judge's decision, but it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately be able to remove Trump's name.

The closure of the Kennedy Center has significant implications for the research community, particularly in the fields of arts and culture. The center is home to numerous research programs and initiatives, and its closure will likely have a ripple effect throughout the industry. Researchers at institutions such as Harvard University and Stanford University will need to find alternative venues for their research, which will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their work.

The closure of the Kennedy Center also raises questions about the future of arts and culture in the United States. The center has long been a hub for artistic innovation and expression, and its closure will leave a void that will be difficult to fill. The arts community will need to come together to find alternative solutions to the financial and structural problems that led to the center's closure.

The closure of the Kennedy Center is part of a larger trend of institutions facing financial and structural challenges. In recent years, numerous institutions, including museums and universities, have faced similar struggles. The rise of digital technologies has also led to a shift in the way that institutions operate, with many turning to online platforms and virtual reality experiences to reach new audiences.