Trump warns no renovations for Kennedy Center if court doesn't allow his name on building

Trump made the remarks after a federal judge ruled that the board could not add the president's name in any capacity without authorization from Congress.

Published: September 15, 2026 3:17pm

President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts would not receive much-needed renovations unless the courts approved the addition of his name to the facility.

Trump made the remarks after a federal judge ruled that the board could not add the president's name in any capacity without authorization from Congress. The decision prompted the board to vote to close the center for renovations for a third time. The renovations are expected to take roughly two years to complete.

"The Board of The Kennedy Center today agreed, almost unanimously, to close the Building for Safety reasons, and so that it can begin the process of Reconstruction," Trump posted on Truth Social. "The closing will take place immediately, however, the Renovation and Reconstruction, which is a very large and complex job, cannot begin until such time as the D.C. Circuit rules on the Board’s approved name."

"If the ruling is a negative one, which it should not be, and is not overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Reconstruction and the Renovation of The Kennedy Center will not take place," he added. "The attorneys from the DOJ will ask for an expedited appeal. In the meantime, 17 Million Dollars, raised by President Trump, has been put into The Kennedy Center account to keep it afloat."

After returning to the White House, Trump replaced the entire board and revamped its performance set list. His appointees later named the center's opera house after first lady Melania Trump and voted to rename the entire venue to the Trump-Kennedy Center, prompting litigation.

The judge on Tuesday rejected alternative proposals from the board to include Trump's name, even as they argued that its addition was vital to securing the president's personal support for overhauling the facility.

The project is one of several in Washington, D.C., that come as part of Trump's efforts to "beautify" the nation's capital. Other efforts, including the construction of the White House ballroom and the renovation of the Reflecting Pool, have also attracted lawsuits.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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