The Kennedy Center is preparing to close for major renovations lasting two years after a federal court ordered a ban on adding "Donald Trump" to the building's front without Congress's approval, while Trump insists on having his name added.
It has become an ongoing hot issue for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., after its board of directors voted on 15 September to close the center for extensive renovations that could take up to two years, with an estimated budget of about $257 million, or roughly 8 billion baht.
This decision came less than two hours after U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued an order suspending the board's second attempt to add President Donald Trump's name to the building's facade, stating the board lacks authority to add memorials or rename areas to honor Trump without Congress's approval.
The Kennedy Center board is chaired by Trump, with most members appointed by him. After returning to the White House, he has played a role in directing the center's course, including pushing renovation plans and changes to the institution's operations.
Following the court order, Trump posted on Truth Social that renovation and restoration of the Kennedy Center will not begin until the appeals court reviews the order, and if the decision remains unchanged, he stated the renovations will not proceed.
The name dispute has continued since earlier this year. Previously, the board had placed Trump's name on the building's facade before Judge Cooper ordered its removal in May, and workers took the name down in June.
The Kennedy Center, opened in 1971, is a memorial established to honor President John F. Kennedy and is a major U.S. performing arts venue. It houses the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra and regularly hosts the annual Kennedy Center Honors.
During the recent conflict, many artists canceled performances, while the Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra had to find alternative venues, causing a significant drop in the center's revenue. The board stated the center's financial status is fragile, with concerns about its ability to pay wages and maintenance costs.
Meanwhile, the issue of authority to rename remains in legal proceedings. The court stated the Kennedy Center is legally designated as a memorial to Kennedy by congressional approval, so adding another individual's name as a memorial requires congressional consent.
The latest developments leave the Kennedy Center's future amid legal disputes, renovation plans, and controversy over adding Trump's name. The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to appeal the court's order.
:sourcechannelnewsasia
Read related news aboutinternational news