Trump’s Hand-Picked Board Makes Another Attempt to Add Name to Kennedy Center, Shutter Building for “Renovations”

The drama surrounding the Kennedy Center has taken another turn as Donald Trump's hand-picked board once again attempts to shut down the building for renovations. According to The New York Times, the board, which is largely composed of loyalists, has voted to close down the building for the proposed $250 million renovation project. This decision is pending approval from federal Judge Christopher R. Cooper, who previously blocked the board's attempt to move forward with renovations in May.

The board's resolution claims that keeping the main building open during renovations would be too expensive. However, Kennedy Center officials have promised to consider the consequences of closing the center prior to this latest resolution. The proposed renovations include structural repair work, new marble floors, and $11.8 million in acoustical improvements.

Trump's bid to close the Kennedy Center has been fueled by the recent cancellations of performances by numerous artists and groups since his administration took over. Some speculate that Trump wants to remove the embarrassment of those cancellations by shutting down the building. In addition to the proposed renovation, the board also voted to add Trump's name below Kennedy's on the exterior of the building, with a sign reading "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump." The sign will be done in gold.