The Kennedy Center's board voted to close until Trump's name is added. Here's a look at the history behind the landmark.
The Trump-appointed Kennedy Center board voted to close on Tuesday — the latest twist in the Trump administration's quest to rename the Center.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC has faced controversy as its Trump-appointed board voted to close the center until a Trump addition is made. Originally named the National Cultural Center, the landmark underwent a name change following Kennedy's assassination in 1963. In December 2025, the Trump-appointed board decided to rename the Kennedy Center the Trump Kennedy Center, despite legal challenges and concerns over its validity.
The center, which has hosted numerous events and performances, is currently closed for renovations deemed necessary for safety reasons. The board's decision to close the center temporarily reflects their commitment to safety above all else.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
