Kennedy Center to maintain operations after judge blocked closure, Trump name removal

Key facts

• The Kennedy Center will remain open and operational after a judge blocked a planned two-year closure.
• The administration is still considering a 'partial closure' for renovations.
• The judge previously ruled against adding President Trump's name to the building.
• Management plans to present the board with options including full, partial, or phased closures.
• The Center's legal team stated the judge's order does not mandate rescheduling cancelled shows.
• Lawyers for Rep. Joyce Beatty argue the Center is not fully complying with the order.

The Kennedy Center's management is not committing to rescheduling shows or rebuilding staff following a judge's order that blocked a two-year closure. In a court filing, the Center's lawyers stated the institution intends to "maintain an operational model" after the initial July 5 closure date, allowing public access but potentially limiting programming. The court's order did not mandate the rescheduling of previously cancelled programming or the pursuit of new shows. The venue is preparing to present the board with several renovation options for a vote in mid-July, which could include a complete closure, a partial closure allowing limited programming, or phased closures to address critical infrastructure needs while maintaining a full schedule.

This situation arises after a ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, who found the addition of President Donald Trump's name to the building to be illegal and ordered its removal. Cooper also blocked the planned two-year closure, giving the Center's leadership and Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex-officio board member who initiated the lawsuit, until Friday to provide an update. Beatty's legal team argued that the Kennedy Center has not fully complied with the judge's order, pointing to a tarp covering the area where Trump's name was removed. They also contended that by gutting staff and programming, the Center is effectively proceeding with its planned shutdown despite the court's decision.