Kennedy Center weighing ‘partial closure’ after judge orders it to remain open, strips Trump’s name

The Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. premier performing arts center, is weighing a “partial closure” as the government confronts a court order to remain open as the Trump administration plans significant renovations of the site. 

The Trump administration told the federal judge on Friday that the center is considering whether to offer a full schedule of performances or to limit programs in the coming months, CBS News reported.  

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper last month blocked the administration’s plans to shut down the facility until 2028 pending renovations. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio sued the administration over the plans. The same judge also reversed the rebranding of the center as the Trump-Kennedy Center. 

In a court filing Kennedy Center Executive Director Matt Floca said that the center’s board will meet next month to decide between a full closure, a partial closure, or phased closures with varying levels of programming. 

The government lawyers said that the Kennedy Center board remains committed to planned renovations, regardless of the closure decision.