Trump threatens to shut Kennedy Center for good after judge blocks name change

On September 16, US President Donald Trump threatened to keep the Kennedy Center closed indefinitely after a federal judge ruled that his name cannot be added to the arts institution's exterior. The judge, Christopher Cooper, declared that the center cannot reinstall memorials for President Trump or any other entity without congressional approval.

Trump's hand-picked board had previously voted to rename the center "Trump-Kennedy" and install his name on the facade. The center's board claimed their decision was motivated by safety concerns, citing a recent incident where a ceiling piece fell during a storm. Trump and his supporters argued that the building was in a state of dangerous disrepair.

However, Cooper's ruling denied Trump's attempt to circumvent his previous order to remove his name. The Kennedy Center has faced criticism, with artists canceling concerts and sales dropping after Trump took over the institution in January of his second term.