The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC closed its doors to the public on Tuesday, following a court ruling that prevented President Donald Trump from renaming the facility.
President Trump, reportedly incensed by the court's decision, told reporters this week that the Trump administration should have recognition, stating, "Because frankly, if we don’t do that, it’s going to close. It’ll end up being ripped down." He also declared the venue "destined to doom" on social media without his intervention.
The centre's board voted to close the facility for two years, citing the need for $257m in repairs and renovations. However, Democratic congresswoman Joyce Beatty and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse allege the closure is a "pretext" to hide a financial "death spiral" caused by artist boycotts and dwindling ticket sales.
The facility, established by Congress, opened in 1971 and has since hosted a wide range of arts and cultural events. Trump seized control in February 2025, replacing board members and the centre's president, and purging programming perceived as "woke."