Kennedy Center Board Warns of Imminent Bankruptcy, Links Financial Rescue to Trump Name Placement

WASHINGTON — The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts told a federal court on Monday that it faces “certain fiscal collapse within weeks” unless President Donald Trump’s name is affixed to the building’s exterior. In newly filed resolutions, the board of trustees argued that securing Trump’s financial backing is essential to avoid bankruptcy and fund critical renovations.

The board is expected to vote as early as Tuesday on two measures: one that would close the center’s main building for two years to address safety hazards, and another that would place Trump’s name on the marble facade alongside the institution’s existing title. Officials stated that the tribute is a prerequisite for Trump to lead the fiscal rescue effort.

“The Board understands that without such appropriate recognition it is unlikely that President Trump will provide the fundamental oversight of the renovation of the main building and lead the fiscal rescue of the Center,” the resolution read. The document outlined ten options for displaying Trump’s name under the center’s official designation.

This development follows a December vote by the board to add Trump’s name to the exterior, which was blocked by a federal judge in May. Prior to that injunction, the board had voted 23-3 last month to close the facility for a $285 million renovation project.

Rep. Joyce Beatty, whose lawsuit successfully prevented the previous renaming, urged U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper to intervene again before the board holds another vote to shut down the venue. Cooper had scheduled a conference for 10 a.m. Tuesday, shortly before the board’s 12:30 p.m. meeting.

The proposed closure is justified by the board as a safety necessity following a recent incident in which a chunk of ceiling fell in the Grand Foyer during heavy rain. The resolution argued that the risk to patrons and employees outweighed reputational concerns, noting that programming such as the National Symphony Orchestra performances, the Mark Twain Prize, and the Kennedy Center Honors would continue at offsite locations.

While Congress has already appropriated $257 million for the project, the board contends that Trump can raise an additional $100 million. According to the filings, Trump’s allies on the board are presenting these resolutions to demonstrate to the court that the center’s future depends on his support.

Last month, the Department of Justice warned that the center could face demolition if Trump’s name was not included on the building. A DOJ filing suggested that without such efforts, the structure would deteriorate into an unsafe ruin, potentially leading to its replacement by a less costly outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Potomac River.

The Kennedy Center’s current resolutions assert that they will comply with the court’s previous order blocking the full renaming of the facility, while offering Trump “recognition in a concrete and public fashion.”