Kultureinrichtung: Trump: Kennedy Center wird umgehend geschlossen

The United States' largest public cultural institution, the Kennedy Center, is set to be closed down immediately according to US President Donald Trump. He announced this on his platform Truth Social, citing safety concerns and necessary renovation works. However, renovations may only commence once a higher court rules on the planned renaming.

The panel Trump appointed previously failed in court to include Trump's name on the institution and alter the façade. A judge overturned the plans in late May, also preventing a potentially two-year closure for renovations, based on the argument that Congress had bestowed the Kennedy Center's name upon it. The Kennedy Center appealed this decision, which has not been decided in its entirety yet.

The panel, known for its association with Trump, then announced an alternative naming on the façade: "renovated and restored by Donald J. Trump." But the judge blocked this as well. Shortly after, the panel voted for the closure of the cultural institution. A point of contention The Kennedy Center, located on the Potomac River in the heart of Washington, traditionally showcased a wide range of genres, from theater and dance to music.

It was named after former President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963). In December 2025, the institution was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, following Trump's takeover of the institution shortly after his inauguration in January 2025 and his announcement of a campaign against "anti-American propaganda" in the cultural world. He dismissed several members of the board and assumed the presidency. The renaming led to widespread protests, with artists canceling performances.